H1N1 alert!

H1N1 is back again! Actually, since last week i started to listen to the rumors saying that there are already 20 cases of H1N1 in Bintulu. I've heard that 4 years old girl and 63 years old man just died. But the thing is they didnt want to publish in the newspaper, afraid that people will get panic..it is getting worse and worse.
Yesterday i found out that my colleague's daughter is H1N1 positive..she is just 6 years old! There are also few kids in the same kindergarden attacked by the virus. Although vaccines are available at some of the clinic at Bintulu, which costs RM70 but still we all need to protect ourselves and wash our hands very often!

BTW, below is the latest H1NI Advisory from ABF Group HSE:

What is the current situation of the H1N1 Pandemic?
To date, the infection caused by the H1N1 virus is still active, especially in South East Asia, East and West Africa, Eastern Europe, South Asia and the Far East. Since the initial outbreak until March 2010, total deaths due to the infection stood at about 14,000. The figure is low when compared to the estimated cases of a few million.

Malaysia registered about 13,000 cases with about 80 deaths (0.6%). The actual number of cases may be much higher as most cases were mild, did not require hospitalisation and no confirmation was done.

Has the danger from the infection increased?
From reports gathered from around the world, the infection seems to be the same. There is no report of increase in its infective or fatality rate. Most cases were seen with mild to moderate signs and symptoms. A small number of cases develop complications that may result in death. Majority of these deaths occurred in patients with existing health problems such as diabetes, hypertension, pregnancy, etc.

What is the current mode of treatment?
Though resistance was noted in a few cases, the majority of cases still responded to the recommended anti-viral. However, treatment should be given as early as possible especially to those developing respiratory complications, are pregnant or with medical conditions. Once complications have set in, the patient requires support in good medical facilities.

Has a vaccine against the virus been developed?
Vaccines against the virus were available since early this year. However, due to limited supply, most were supplied only to government medical facilities and priority was given to healthcare workers and other essential services in the government sector (police, military, etc.) The vaccines will probably be available at clinics soon as the manufacturers increase their production.

Apart from the vaccine, how do we protect ourselves?
Good personal hygiene affords the best protection against the virus. One should do the following to minimise exposure to the virus:

1. Wash hands regularly with soap or sanitising liquid especially after touching objects that may be contaminated. Avoid touching your nose or eye with unwashed hands.
2. Avoid crowded places such as hospitals, market places, etc.
3. Avoid visiting confirmed and unconfirmed flu patients. If you have to visit or take care of them, wear a suitable facial mask.
4. Seek medical consultation if you develop flu symptoms such as fever, cough and cold, body ache, etc. Additionally, you should stay at home, wear the recommended facial mask at all times and discourage others from visiting until you are completely recovered.

How about transmission in the workplace/office?
You can get the virus from anywhere or anyone including your workplace and fellow workers. As long as you practice the recommended measures above, you will protect yourself wherever you go.

So in conclusion...we must protect our health!
choww...gonna start my day with a cup of nescafe!