The 2009 Flu Pandemic

The 2009 flu pandemic is a global outbreak from a new strain of Influenza A virus subtype H1N1. This is a new influenza virus that has never been seen in humans before April 2009.

I was just visiting a friend whom was warded due to an accident at the hospital yesterday and the nurses had to take my temperature before I can enter the hospital. I think this should be done at our offices or public places because taking the temperature reading is very fast. My sister's company did that to all the employees before they enter the office.

These are some of the info that I found that I think is helpful...

How serious is this Influenza A?

Can result in deaths.

The symptoms?
Fever, coughs, sneezes, sore throat, headache, vomitting, muscle or joint pains.

Emergency warning signs are as follows:
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
Sudden dizziness
Confusion
Severe or persistent vomiting
Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

How does it spread?
The virus typically spreads from coughs and sneezes or by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the nose or mouth.

Will the use of facemask or respirator help?

Facemasks help stop droplets from being spread by the person wearing them. They also keep splashes or sprays from reaching the mouth and nose of the person wearing the facemask. They are not designed to protect you against breathing in very small particles.

A respirator is designed to protect you from breathing in very small particles, which might contain viruses. These types of respirators fit tightly to the face so that most air is inhaled through the filter material. To work most effectively, respirators must be specially fitted for each person who wears one (this is called “fit-testing” and is usually done in a workplace where respirators are used). Some healthcare workers, such as nurses and doctors, use these types of respirators when taking care of patients with diseases that can be spread through the air.

In conclusion, it does not prevent you from the infection but at least you're minimizing the chances. However, these facemasks and repirators are supposed to be changed daily and if a respirator doesn't fit tightly to your face, it can also be useless. And lastly, these should be disposed and changed daily.

I think people should not be selfish. Especially those who are down with coughs and sneezing, they should be wearing the masks! This is to help prevent the virus from spreading to other people especially in crowded places like bus, trains, airplanes and also shopping malls.

Maybe the most effective prevention of all is to wear this.

Then everybody can walk around looking like a terrorist!

HAVE A GOOD WEEKEND!