According to the World Health Organization (W.H.O.), “the main route of transmission of the influenza A (H1N1) virus seems to be similar to seasonal influenza, via droplets that are expelled by speaking, sneezing, or coughing.” That’s mainly how A (H1N1) infects us!
It has been a litany of old telling to wash the hands; cover the mouth and use napkins instead of handkerchief (specially when sneezing and coughing); never just touch or pick up things (specially in public places); and a list of do’s and don’ts when it comes to hands and mouth hygiene. To think of it … we are back to the litany of old in a rush to curtail the web of the new virus.
“Phase 6 Pandemic” is told not to be panicky about as it is more of a general description of the way the new virus has spread (just like the other “transferable diseases”) … that is … it has already reached and affected several regions in the world.
It serves as a warning though that this new virus is capable and is actually getting its way across and possibly right on the tips of our fingers … not just heard on the radio or seen on television. It is time to remember the litany of the old … keeping hands clean and covering the mouth. All of us … for us and for others sake.
In the Philippines, the news is there is a current 193 recorded A(H1N1) virus cases and only a handful were positive and recovered.
One guy from a Manila University recovered and anonymously told it all in national television. Apart from the virus, it is the emotional trauma and anxiety of having been infected that is worst. Lack of clear and sufficient information about the new virus drives some, if not many, to treat the infection like a “leprosy” (ketong, in Tagalog). So is the need for the authorities for better information campaign. The better one understands it, the more effective it is prevented. And the misconceptions corrected.
At the early onset of the symptoms (fever, flu, soar throat etc), the guy had it checked by a doctor; followed the doctor’s advice: self quarantine, medicines (particularly to increase resistance and immune system), food and rest. In the end, he fully recovered.
It is being knowing how A (H1N1) infects; being well informed o the new virus; with efforts for proper prevention (mask, hand sanitizer, nutrition, etc); hygiene and care that will be handy to keep one safe from infection and embracing misconceptions.
Posted by Patrick on June 20, 2009 at 7:16 pm
Keep Clean, Safe, Thank you
Posted by Ely Espinosa on October 1, 2009 at 12:55 am
Like any other viruses always keep your hands clean use hand sanitizer.