The latest outbreak that is causing major concern around the world is the Influenza A virus subtype H1N1, also known as A(H1N1) and commonly known as Swine Flu. It is one of the most common causes of influenza in humans.
One should recall the1918 flu pandemic which killed almost 100 million people worldwide to understand why the World Health Organisation (WHO) and health ministries all over the world are taking this virus seriously.
It has been reported that an outbreak of H1N1 influenza occured in March and April 2009, in Mexico, which led to hundreds of confirmed cases and a number of deaths.
On April 27, 2009, the WHO raised their alertness level from 3 to 4 (on a scale of 6) worldwide, sparking the rest of the world to take action. This was in response to confirmed and sustained human-to-human transfer of the virus.
On April 29, 2009, the situation was raised to level 5 (pandemic imminent).
Various countries have since started on their measures to conduct temperature screening at all entry and exit points in the country. Contact tracing will help to identify people who come in contact with the virus. People are advised to wear face masks and to sanitize their hands regularly. More importantly, stockpiles of Tamiflu have already been secured should the need arise to treat the young and elderly.
Research is being done to develop test kits and vaccines for this strain of virus. However, the key to handle this pandemic is Prevention. Vaccines take a long time to develop, let alone be tested and manufactured in amounts needed to treat the whole world. One should not be complacent and everybody should be civic-minded to ensure that the virus is not transmitted.
Here are some tips on what you can do to prevent the spread of H1N1:
- Wash your hands frequently with Antiseptic Hand Wash, especially before a meal.
- Buy from a reputable company as the amount and type of antiseptic is important to ensure 100% kill of the germs. If not all 100% is killed, the remaining germs can mutate and develop resistance to the antiseptic, resulting in a new strain of "Super bugs".
- If water is not available, use good quality Antiseptic Hand Sanitizers that do not require a water rinse.
- Make sure you carry pocket size Hand Sanitizers and Wipes.
- If you are ill, avoid infecting others by wearing a Face Mask. Wear the mask properly by expanding it as much as it can go, and cover your nose and under you chin. Make sure you change your mask frequently when it becomes moist over time. Do not reuse the mask. Dispose the mask properly in a sealed bag. Once the mask dries, the germs can become airborne and contaminate the environment.
- If you are Not ill, protect yourself with a N95 mask. If you find it diffficult to breathe with the mask on, chose a respirator with replacement filters and chage the filter frequently.
- Monitor your body temperature every day (in the morning, afternoon and night) and plot your temperature over time. This will allow you to establish a baseline of what is your normal temperature at different times of the month. This is to allow you to detect a fever as this is one of the symptoms of Swine Flu. You can then seek medical attention sooner, rather than later. if necessary, you can take steps to protect other members of your family from close contact.
- For females, you will notice your temperature will rise slightly when you are ovulating. Do not be alarmed! Only if the temperature keeps rising steadily, see your doctor. Young children also tend to have higher body temperatures, hence establishing your baseline and knowing your body will avoid misleading data.
- If you can't avoid crowds, then boost your immunity with Vitamins.
- Finally, make sure you maintain good hygiene practices. Avoid touching your mouth or face before cleaning your hands first. Avoid crowded places, especially hospitals. Cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough and avoid throwing contaminated tissues in open bins.
- Keep your environment free of germs with cleaning sanitizer and air purifiers (only those with HEPA Filters are effective). Choose a air purifier that suits your room size and can be maintained easily and runs quietly. Disinfect childrens toys once a day.
- See a doctor if you are in doubt or if you have flu-like symptoms, including fever, lethargy, lack of appetite, coughing, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Here's to your Health,
Katie Sue [http://www.diyhomespa.com/swineflu]
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