News Highlights
Author:
May Tannir,
Office of Communications,
mlt00@aub.edu.lb
 Women's League website
Be Ready for the 2009-10 Flu Season
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The difference between the swine flu virus and the H1N1 virus
 | Kanafani giving the lecture.
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The Women's League at the American University of Beirut held its first general meeting of the academic year by hosting a presentation on one of the most widely covered developments of this year, the H1N1 influenza virus. The lecture took place at the Bathish Auditorium at West Hall on October 5 and was presented by the Hospital Epidemiologist at AUB Medical Center, Dr. Zeina Kanafani.
Kanafani started the lecture by stating that the swine flu virus affecting pigs and the H1N1 virus are quite different. She presented a timeline to when the virus was first discovered earlier this year in March in Mexico. At the time, doctors believed that they were dealing with the swine flu virus, but after thorough research they discovered that the virus the world is battling is a new strain of H1N1 virus. What differentiates this virus from the regular influenza is that it is a spring-summer epidemic and it can affect individuals of all age groups. Moreover, while the common flu is a seasonal occurrence, the H1N1 flu can occur throughout the year. The symptoms, she said, include having a high fever, sore throat, a cough, and diarrhea. The regular incubation period for the virus is from one to seven days. |
 | Women's League members and audience during the lecture.
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Kanafani stressed that not all patients suffering from the H1N1 virus need to see the doctor. She explained that only patients with severe illness and who are among the high risk group should consult their healthcare provider. The high risk group includes children under the age of 5 and over the age of 65, as well as pregnant women, people with chronic diseases, and people with weak immunity. Kanafani highlighted steps that can prevent the transmission and spreading of the virus. She said that people should cover their mouths when sneezing or coughing. They should wash their hands often and use alcohol-based hand cleansers as alcohol can help kill the virus.
Kanafani received her MD from AUB in 1999, and her MS in epidemiology in 2004. From 2004 to 2007, she attended Duke University Medical Center, and in 2007 she joined the Faculty of Medicine at AUB. |
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