A(H1N1) Influenza

when the virus first hit malaysian shores, i quickly shot an email to my entire office requesting them to take care. takuts.

the spread has been so fast. today the papers reported 12 new cases making it a total of 80 cases todate. very efficient this virus.

i would like to ask everyone to be careful. take care of yourselves, your family, your community and finally, the general society. i feel so sad and afraid for those young kids who have contracted this flu.

i am so worried for my own 11mth old son. i also get angry with those who are taking it very lightly --these include my own family members too. some people think i'm just being a bit over-the-top. i dont think so. i too find it a challenge to be constantly conscious of what i do, where i go. but we should all try.

i'm sure everyone knows what the A(H1N1) virus is but just to reiterate what we already know, the following FAQ can also be found on: http://thestar.com.my/.

Influenza A (H1N1) FAQ

What is the A (H1N1) influenza?
It is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A strains of the influenza virus. It regularly causes high flu outbreaks in pigs but with low death rates. There are four main sub-types of the virus, but the most recent isolated influenza viruses from pigs have been H1N1 viruses.

How does it spread?
Influenza A (H1N1) viruses do not typically infect humans though they do occur through close proximity or contact with infected pigs or contaminated areas. Cases of human-to-human spread have been documented.

What are the symptoms?
The symptoms are similar to those of regular flu:
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Runny nose
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Lack of appetite
- Vomiting and diarrhoea in some cases.

How common is the A (H1N1) flu infection in humans?
In the past reports of about one human A(H1N1) flu virus infection had been received every one to two years in the United States. From December 2005 till February 2009, 12 cases have been reported.

Has this strain of flu been seen before?
No. Flu mutates constantly, so it is common for new strains to emerge. Pigs can also be infected with both human and avian influenza, and the current circulating A (H1N1) flu strain appears to contain genetic elements from all three.

Can the A (H1N1) flu be treated with antiviral drugs and flu vaccine?
The A (H1N1) flu is resistant to two common drugs – Amantadine and Rimantadine. The A (H1N1) flu viruses are very different from human H1N1 viruses. Therefore, vaccines for human seasonal flu would not provide protection. However, a “seed vaccine” has been specifically tailored to this swine flu and will be manufactured if officials deem it necessary.

Can people catch A (H1N1) flu by eating pork?
No. The A (H1N1) influenza viruses are not transmitted by food. Eating properly handled and cooked pork and pork products is safe. Cooking pork to an internal temperature of 70ºC and above kills the swine flu virus.

How long is someone with the A (H1N1) flu considered contagious?
People with the A (H1N1) influenza virus infection should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are symptomatic; possibly for up to seven days following the onset of the illness. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods.

What can I do to protect myself from the A (H1N1) flu?
There is no vaccine available right now to protect against the A (H1N1) flu.
However, you can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza by:

- Covering your nose and mouth with a disposable tissue or handkerchief when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the waste basket after you use it.

- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also helpful

- Try to avoid close contact with sick people. - If you get sick with influenza, stay at home and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

- Consult your nearest healthcare facility if you think you have any of the symptoms.

What precautions are in place in Malaysia?
- The Health Ministry’s operations room in Putrajaya has started a 24-hour monitoring of the situation. The public can call 03-8881 0200/300 for enquiries.

- Those returning from Latin American countries and found to have flu-like symptoms will be quarantined.

- Health Ministry officials are conducting health screenings on passengers arriving from the United States.

- Thermal scanners will be placed at international airports to speed up the screening process for A (H1N1) flu.

- Public and private medical practitioners have been instructed to report to the district health office any patient with influenza-like illnesses or severe pneumonia symptoms and who had travelled to the affected countries after April 17.

- Travel Advisory from the foreign ministry


Where can I get more information?
For more information, go to the Health Ministry (http://www.moh.gov.my/) or call the Ministry's hotline at (03) 8881-0200/300.

Useful Links:
Ministry of Foreign Affairs: http://www.kln.gov.my/
World Health Organization: http://www.who.int/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: http://www.cdc.gov/
Homeland Security Department: http://www.dhs.gov/
WHO A (H1N1) flu page: http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html

long hiatus

hello... err... audience... (so perasan)

it's been a while now since i posted an entry. my life has been a bit hectic with childcare logistics since april so excuse me for the very long absence :-)

some updates:

1) my mil's maid who was taking care of my son decided to leave earlier than expected
2) my son stayed in puchong (sister's house) with my mom as we had no one to take care of him
3) we applied for a maid from march but we'll only get her in july (4months arghhh)
4) i was pregnant but had a miscarriage in my 6th week :-( so sad
5) my son flew to sabah with my mom for 3 weeks because we had no one to take care of him :-(
6) i was so sad that first week that the husband took pity on me & bought me a return ticket to sabah so i could spend my 1st mother's day with my son :-)
7) my son & mom came back to kl in june so im happy again
8) we're waiting for the maid to come
9) etha*ns turning one in a couple more weeks so birthday planning is in progress
10) i'm getting itchy to try something new -thinking of baking cupcakes?
11) believe it or not i've started going to the gym but dont get too excited, i just started
12) my childhood home has been torn down to make way for a new house. quite sad also lah.
13) i'm updating my cv (since time immemorial)

my son is growing up just fine. hes got 8 gigi altogether & can walk but only a few steps. he can say mama but usually only when hes cranky. im now thinking what to get for him for his 1st bday. maybe a toy car? he seems to be fascinated with my steering wheel.

the husband is now also itchy to get a new job. me too lah for that matter. but i'll let him change first before i do since i think my situation is more bearable than his.

this swine flu thing is giving me the creeps. my bil is in australia now so when he comes back to kl, we'll be staying away from him for awhile. but, the husband pulak going to spore to watch the liverpool game. ishk. i got the flu jab already. only rm45 at my old gp in puchong. actually its rm50 but since the dr likes me so much, shes only charging rm45. i didnt fall sick after that, lucky me. but my sil did. apparently it happens right after you get the jab. dr says the jab is actually the flu virus which they introduce to your immune system for it to step up a notch and become stronger. i knew that :-).

cant think of what else to update at the moment. IF i get into this baking thing, i'll take a couple of pictures :-).