This articles ia very useful for us to know and well written...
Written by NH Monday, 06 July 2009 00:00
'How To Kill That Swine?';
The H1N1 or better known as swine flu has been increasing at an alarming rate. So what is Swine flu? The people I know appear to have misunderstandings on what swine flu really is. I will explain it. However I must note that I am NOT a representative of MOH or any other Ministry.
I am just here to "have my say" on this issue we are facing at the moment. Firstly, Swine flu is actually a term for the pig flu experienced by pigs. It was only spread among pigs through direct or indirect contact among them. However the swine flu now is considered a mutation of that and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention at http://www.cdc.gov/H1N1flu/qa.htm has stated that "this new virus is very different from what normally circulates in North American pigs.
It has two genes from flu viruses that normally circulate in pigs in Europe and Asia and avian genes and human genes. Scientists call this a "quadruple reassortant" virus." Second point, which group of people is at risk? In truth, everyone is at risk however it has been noted that people in the younger age group are likely to be affected. People who have asthma and other health problems are at risk as well as children. Third point what are the symptoms? They are similar to those of regular flu: Body aches, Chills, Cough, Headache, Sore throat, fever, Tiredness and some people experience Diarrhea and Vomiting. Severe illnesses and death has been associated with this as some people throughout the world have been infected with the virus and died. Fourth point, why is our Government telling us to stay at home and avoid places like the Mall and closed areas? At the moment there is no vaccine for it. It is spread through coughing and sneezing so it is airborne. This is why our government wishes us to avoid crowded places. With our cooperation the Government will be able to keep it under control. Fifth point, Are we in danger?
WHO has said that it considers swine flu to be a level 6 outbreak hence a global pandemic and indicates the seriousness of the flu outbreak. The last time this level of sickness occurred was the Hong Kong flu in 1968-69 which killed more than 34,000 deaths. We just have to be careful. Final point, what can us as individuals do? Follow the advice given by our government and according to Medical News Today http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/147720.php
here are the ways for you to help protect yourself
Wash your hands regularly with soap
Try to stay healthy * Get plenty of sleep
Do plenty of exercise
Try to manage your stress
Drink plenty of liquids
Eat a well balanced diet
Refrain from touching surfaces which may have the virus
Do not get close to people who are sick
Stay away from crowded areas if there is a swine flu outbreak in your area
Try to stay healthy * Get plenty of sleep
Do plenty of exercise
Try to manage your stress
Drink plenty of liquids
Eat a well balanced diet
Refrain from touching surfaces which may have the virus
Do not get close to people who are sick
Stay away from crowded areas if there is a swine flu outbreak in your area
If I am infected, how can I stop others from becoming infected?
Limit your contact with other people
Do not go to work or school
When you cough or sneeze cover your mouth with a tissue.
If you do not have a tissue, cover your mouth and nose.
Put your used tissues in a waste basket
Wash your hands and face regularly
Keep all surfaces you have touched clean
Follow your doctor's instructions So people stay home as much as you can unless you really NEED to go out.
Thank you.
.JPG)
