Pandemic is declared. Just this June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization declared the Pandemic alert to Phase 6 in response to the global spreading of the virus Influenza A (H1N1). More than 70 countries are reporting cases of human infection to the said virus and this numbers have been increasing for the past weeks.
A (H1N1) or sometimes called as “Swine Flu” is the new influenza virus striking the country causing sickness to people. A new virus from that of combined four viruses, from birds, man and to swine. It was originally referred to as “swine flu” because according to laboratory testing such virus is mostly found in the North American pigs, but on further study there were also difference on that virus circulating on those pigs. Its origin is still a mystery but the bottom line is it killed many people already. First cases reported were on that in Mexico, about 108 people authorities indicated as of this June 9, 2009 were confirmed deaths due to this virus. It has no vaccines for prevention but there were medicines recommended for its treatment. It is contagious, it could infect people if have contact to the contaminated individual. It was alarming; no wonder the World Health Organization raised it to higher level alert.
Influenza A (H1N1) same as an ordinary influenza have symptoms that could be identified by individual. Some of its symptoms are: Fever, Cough, Colds, Headache, Flu, Muscle pain, and feeling of weary and exhausted. Other patients suffered from vomits and diarrhea.
But how does this virus Influenza A (H1N1) infect other people?
A person could be contaminated by such virus through exposure to a contaminated person coughing or sneezing. Commonly people don’t have this proper etiquette when in public places; they just cough even if you’re in their face. It’s as if you didn’t exist, ignoring you. Scouring of eyes and nose also after touching contaminated objects could also be the cause of infection. This was common to a child, that’s why proper washing of hands is strictly practiced and taught by the Department of Health. But a reminder to everyone, Influenza A (H1N1) virus could not be acquire from swine or any cooked pigs for food.
So, how to prevent this virus?
To keep oneself from this virus, some basic yet important personal hygiene should be practiced.
Wash hands before and after eating. The basic command our parents taught, but not just when eating every minute we should have the obligation to keep our hands clean.
Have a prepared handkerchief when going to places especially public ones. Cover your face with this. Refrain from having physical contact to people you know has a sickness such as cough or colds, and if have contact with them; make sure to wash your hands after. We never know, he/she might be contaminated.
Use if possible, disinfectants such as alcohol which could help you protect from any germs. Prevention is better than cure.
Make sure to boost your body resistance, make it healthy and strong to fight any sickness. Acknowledging Mrs. Vegetables and Mr. Fruits in ones life. Of course eating these healthy foods. Through these, you could have a strong immune system to fight any sickness attempting to enter your body as well as this virus Influenza A (H1N1).
Proper sleep could also help you regain strength from the exhausted day. 8 hours of sleep is required for everybody.
Avoid too much stress. Too much worrying could make your body weak. Worrying doesn’t do well to your body rather make it worst.
Regular exercise is very well recommended. This helps your body in everyday works.
These are some of the preventions a person should remember in order to avoid this novel spreading virus Influenza A (H1N1). This month is a FLU Awareness Month so stay healthy.
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"Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things
and be in health, just as your soul prospers."
3 John 2
