H1N1: Its 18 Already

Seems the statistics is rising. The Star today report the figure has gone to 18 with three new victims. This can be alarming.

How serious are we taking precautions?

I flew into Miri last month and in flight all passengers were given health declaration form for H1N1 to be filled. I believe all passengers filled their form. At Miri airport nobody was there to collect the forms. No health department staffs. All passengers walk through with the health declaration form with them. So it means the situation is NOT serious.

A few days later news reported that there are H1N1 cases in Miri and a school closed for quarantine purpose.

Flew back to KL through LCCT. No health declaration forms were given on board to be filled despite passengers flying in from Miri that has positive cases of H1N1. Passengers walk through without any health screening. Is there actually any screening done at entry points? My experience tells me that there in none (at LCCT) because I don't see any health personnel around.

WHO ARE IN HIGH RISK GROUPS?

Those in the high-risk group with symptoms of the Influenza-like illness (IU) should get assess ed immediately (preferably within two days of onset of the IU) by ANY doctor either in a government or private hospital/clinic. The ILI is defined as a sudden onset of fever with temperature >38 degree Celsius, cough and sore throat, in the absence of other diagnosis.

Those considered to be high-risk group category include:

• Children younger than five years old
• Persons aged 65 years and older
• Children and adolescents ( <18>
• Pregnant women
• Adults and children with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, organ failure, obesity, cardiovascular disease and hepatic, heamatological, neurologic, neuromuscular or metabolic disorders such as Diabetes Mellitus
• Adults and children who suffer from Immuno deficiency disorders
• Residents of nursing homes and other chronic care facilities.
  

A reader wrote in a local paper recently that H1N1 virus is not airborne. The virus remain in the air for a short while only and will deposit itself on objects nearby. So if it is not airborne then will wearing the mask is the best protection. We always hear advice to wash our hands especially after leaving the loo and before eating but since the spread of H1N1, we are also advice to do so after shaking hands with someone. I think this advice has something to do with the H1N1 virus that is not an airborne virus. (NB: this my perception) So now the best thing to do is after being in contact with anything suspicious, is not to rub the hands on the eyes, nose and mouth. Within a short distance, the virus (if present) will be easily infecting the the vulnerable organs (remember flu, cough and sore throat). Read also HERE.