Imprisoned Mind...: THE H1N1... Ang Pagbabalik

RHYCKZ

I was shocked this morning when I heard the news of my friend that one of the members of our church & 3 of her room mates had a H1N1 virus. And they are quarantined since yesterday sa Pluto. Natakot ako, kasi kala ko di na uso yun. Sa dami ba ng problema at crisis na nagaganap, hindi ko na lubos maisingit pang isipin na gumagala-gala pa pala yang H1N1 na yan at naghahanap ng mabibiktima. Well, anu nga ba ang H1N1?

According to CDC (center for disease control & prevention) of America, yes, the one mentioned in The Walking Dead series. H1N1 is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This virus is spreading from person-to-person worldwide, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread. It is also called sometimes as "swine flu" because some of the genes of the virus is the same with the influenza viruses that are normally occurs on pig.

Here are some questions normally asked regarding this virus infection.

Is the 2009 H1N1 virus contagious?

The 2009 H1N1 virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human. Spread of the 2009 H1N1 virus is thought to occur in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing, sneezing or talking by people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something – such as a surface or object – with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

What are the signs and symptoms of this virus in people?

The symptoms of 2009 H1N1 flu virus in people include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea. People may be infected with the flu, including 2009 H1N1 and have respiratory symptoms without a fever. Severe illnesses and deaths have occurred as a result of illness associated with this virus.

What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?

This season, there is a seasonal flu vaccine to protect against seasonal flu viruses and a 2009 H1N1 vaccine to protect against the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus (sometimes called “swine flu”). A flu vaccine is by far the most important step in protecting against flu infection. For information about the 2009 H1N1 vaccines, visit H1N1 Flu Vaccination Resources. For information about seasonal influenza vaccines, visit Preventing Seasonal Flu With Vaccination.

There are also everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like the flu.

Take these everyday steps to protect your health:

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.*
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.*) Keep away from others as much as possible to keep from making others sick.

Other important actions that you can take are:

Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.
Be prepared in case you get sick and need to stay home for a week or so; a supply of over-the-counter medicines, alcohol-based hand rubs * (for when soap and water are not available), tissues and other related items could help you to avoid the need to make trips out in public while you are sick and contagious.

For more information regarding this H1N1 virus & on how to prevent it, visit www.cdc.gov

Always remember,

"PREVENTION is better than CURE"

Vice Ganda: "spell prevention?"

Marjoroy: "sige, gagamutin natin, makakatakbo pa yang si silvester"

-Petrang Kabayo-