The new flu strain is said to be a combination of pig, bird and human viruses that humans have no natural immunity to fight against it. But H1N1 virus rather than Swine Flu or Swine Influenza Virus (SIV) is the appropriate term for this newest virus formation as it can be transferred among humans rather than among the animals said by the experts as I watched the news. The outbreak alarmed billions of people around the world when it started in Mexico City which is now consider as the epicenter of this global pandemic. It has killed almost a hundred people as reported from the latest updates.
Restaurants, markets and other establishments were nearly deserted in Mexico as reported in the news; Concerts, sports activities up to church services were reported canceled in the city to keep people from spreading the virus in a large crowd. There were soldiers and health workers patrolled airports and bus stations. Thermal scanner devices are being used to monitor passengers from the airports even in our country to immediately quarantine any passenger suspected to be infected and a carrier of this never-before-seen deadly disease.
Possible signs and symptoms include fever, body weakness or body malaise, lethargy, cough, sore throat, colds or respiratory congestion and in some cases diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
- Swine Flu Symptoms
There are different ways in order to prevent this virus from spreading and to avoid getting infected with it. Hand washing is the number one most effective way in order to prevent the virus or any microorganisms from transferring from one person to another. Covering mouth when coughing or sneezing. Avoid touching from time to time the mouth or nasal area. Avoid going into crowded places and of course, avoid traveling for the meantime into the countries where there are people positive and suspected with swine flu outbreak like Mexico, United States and perhaps in Canada just to be safe. Kissing and hugging should also be avoided for the meantime. Health Experts also advice the intake of Tamiflu as the main treatment and even prevention for this virus attack, but do not self-medicate, it could also be dangerous to take it without the doctor’s advice.
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theweza
Just early this morning as I watched Umagang Kay Ganda, it has been reported that the Swine Flu now officially changed its name into H1N1 virus or Inlfluenza A by the World Health Organization for the same reason I made from this post.
as reported on May 2, 2009
‘Filipinos in USA Still Free of Swine Flu’
Independent officials advised Filipinos living and working in the USA to “take precautionary measures” to avoid being infected by the deadly H1N1 ’swine flu’, which has spread to more than 10 countries.
There are at least 2,000,000 Filipinos in the USA, and fortunately, so far no reports of Filipinos being infected by the virus which has killed dozens of people in Mexico which borders the southern USA.
Filipinos in the USA who develop swine flu symptoms should immediately seek medical attention.
As a precautionary measure, Filipinos without health care insurance are urged to enroll in the Filipino Health Plan by going on-line to http://www.FilipinoHealthPlan.com/enroll.html
Filipinos in the USA are also urged to constantly inquire for updates regarding H1N1 outbreaks in their local area.