H1N1..are you fully aware?

According to an online article:

"The recent outbreaks of disease in people globally are caused by a new influenza (or "flu") type A (H1N1) virus. There is a human H5N1 virus circulating and causing seasonal influenza and in the past, very occasionally, H1N1 viruses from swine have infected humans. The specific type of the H1N1 virus causing illness now is new or "novel" and in the current outbreak it is clear that this virus is able to infect humans and be passed from person to person.
Although part of the virus may have originated from pigs, there is no evidence that the current spread of infection is coming from that source. "



So how well do we know this "new" phenomenon? Are we equipped with the right knowledge and supplies to combat this?

A lot of questions cross my mind each time I hear updates from the news, when I read the papers and during discussions with co-workers.



Am I at risk?

Of course, each and everyone of us is, it's a flu virus after all. This virus spreads from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza.



If it's just a flu then it's curable?

Uhm yeah.. of the recorded 3o something thousand cases of this virus throughout the world, there were only 163 casualties. But this doesn't mean it is something to be taken easily. It's a new strain, experts are still on their way to a breakthrough on how to cure this. Flu shots and medicines available are designed only to combat the human virus (H5N1).



How can I ensure myself and my family's protection against this?

Aaah good one! During my Basic Life Support training at the Philippine National Red Cross last May we were given some precautionary measures to prevent ourselves from getting the virus. First and foremost is to maintain good hygiene, always wash your hands. Stay in good physical health, boost your immune system. And most importantly, practice social distancing, I know this one's hard to do (I'm a sucker for hugs and kisses too!). Always allow yourself 3-4 feet from people specially on crowded places.

Wake Up!

Are we being punished?

Hell yeah we're surely are! Hahaha just kidding! The way I see it, God is trying to give us a message. Like "My child, the signs of the time is coming.."something like that. He is tugging our sleeves and waking us up to see this reality. Mother nature is starting to take its toll on us.


For more information, please visit:
www.un.org/staff/pandemic
www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en.index.html
www.cdc.gov.swineflu/investigation.htm