Swine Flu - how serious?

[datokuan]

Monay & Dino, how serious is this flu problem in US now? The virus is getting everyone worried. The NZ authorities are tracking a plane load of pple arriving from LA yesterday after 10 of the pax are sick with flu...keeping their fingers cross for now......

[Zazu]

looks like it's spreading quite fast..

[Fishingman]

So could this be the 'BIG ONE'? I hope not... getting a bit worried also leh.

[Dino]

So far, there are no death cases in the US itself, Mexico....86 deaths liao.
Authorities not sure why Mexico so many death and US so little and are still investigating.

[datokuan]

So far, there are no death cases in the US itself, Mexico....86 deaths liao.
Authorities not sure why Mexico so many death and US so little and are still investigating.

heard today that 149 died in Mexico.

Suspected case in Oz as on today:-
5 in NSW and 2 in QLD....:(

at least this one are being highlighted early and hopefully is easily contained. unlike SARS when China and Vietnamese government kept in denial for a few weeks before they admit it is huge health risk....

[Dino]

heard today that 149 died in Mexico.

Suspected case in Oz as on today:-
5 in NSW and 2 in QLD....:(

at least this one are being highlighted early and hopefully is easily contained. unlike SARS when China and Vietnamese government kept in denial for a few weeks before they admit it is huge health risk....

Just hit Europe also....

[WitchKing]

Somebody should ground all the planes....

[alfred98]

Swine Flu

What is Swine Influenza?
Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza virus that regularly causes outbreaks of influenza in pigs. Swine flu viruses cause high levels of illness and low death rates in pigs. Swine influenza viruses may circulate among swine throughout the year, but most outbreaks occur during the late fall and winter months similar to outbreaks in humans. The classical swine flu virus (an influenza type A H1N1 virus) was first isolated from a pig in 1930.

[datokuan]

Swine Flu

What is Swine Influenza?
Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza virus that regularly causes outbreaks of influenza in pigs. Swine flu viruses cause high levels of illness and low death rates in pigs. Swine influenza viruses may circulate among swine throughout the year, but most outbreaks occur during the late fall and winter months similar to outbreaks in humans. The classical swine flu virus (an influenza type A H1N1 virus) was first isolated from a pig in 1930.

why u call it classical?

[alfred98]

why u call it classical?

Original lah...like original KFC!!!:cool::laugh:

[Oddfather]

Original lah...like original KFC!!!:cool::laugh:

virus found in 1930...older than Colonel Sanders.....

[alfred98]

virus found in 1930...older than Colonel Sanders.....

Human to human infection is the big head ache....mutated virus is the call of the day....ori virus is not so virulent!!

[monay]

keeping my ears and eyes open... at least they think tamiflu and relenza might work....

[datokuan]

keeping my ears and eyes open... at least they think tamiflu and relenza might work....

u oso loktor......wat u think? Can these 2 work????:h:

[Big Chief]

Swine Flu FAQ
What is swine 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?
Swine flu 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 swine flu infection in humans?
In the past reports of about one human swine 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 swine flu strain appears to contain genetic elements from all three.
Can swine flu be treated with antiviral drugs and flu vaccine?
The swine flu is resistant to two common drugs – Amantadine and Rimantadine. The H1N1 swine 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 swine flu by eating pork?
No. Swine 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 swine flu considered contagious?
People with swine 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 swine flu?
There is no vaccine available right now to protect against the swine 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.
Which countries have had cases of the swine flu?
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has confirmed human cases of swine flu in Mexico, the United States, Canada and Spain. Only Mexico has reported deaths from the new strain.
Are there any travel restrictions or advisories for Malaysians?
The Health Ministry on April 27 advised Malaysians against travelling to certain places in the United States, Mexico and Canada which have been affected by the swine flu.
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 swine 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.
- Owners of the 797 pig farms nationwide have been ordered to immediately contact the nearest Veterinary Services Department office or the Animal Disease Control Centre if their workers or animals show symptoms linked to the swine flu.
Where can I get more information?
For more information, go to the Health Ministry (www.moh.gov.my) or call the Ministry's hotline at (03) 8881-0200/300.
Useful Links:
World Health Organization: www.who.int
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov
Homeland Security Department: www.dhs.gov
WHO swine flu page: http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html

[bizzi]

Singapore's supply of Tamiflu doesn't have the capability to fight the H1N1 strain. Have to wait for new batch.. Of course they aren't gonna say that publicly..

[datokuan]

Singapore's supply of Tamiflu doesn't have the capability to fight the H1N1 strain. Have to wait for new batch.. Of course they aren't gonna say that publicly..

u mean Tamiflu in SG is poorer strength than u get it from the US??:h: Need to taruh more drug in the batch?

[Zazu]

Singapore's supply of Tamiflu doesn't have the capability to fight the H1N1 strain. Have to wait for new batch.. Of course they aren't gonna say that publicly..

why? not the same meh? unless it's expired ade.

[alfred98]

why? not the same meh? unless it's expired ade.

That batch made in Batam one lah!!!:laugh:

[datokuan]

That batch made in Batam one lah!!!:laugh:

and sometime in JB oso.....:rolleyes:

[Odysseus]

and sometime in JB oso.....:rolleyes:
Those made by profiteers in one of the backlanes in JB sharing office with DVD makers :p

[Dino]

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y149/vghc/swine-flu-kid.jpg

[datokuan]

Dino, the days of child innocense are over....if ur picture is true...:amazed:

[LaoZhang]

I’m quite a cynic... there is a lot of hype over this H1N1 flu thing and it has been played up for what its worth …

Meanwhile some pharmaceutical co and some well connected suppliers of vaccines in M’sia are making a big pile out of this fear ..

What about showing more interest in combating dengue & malaria which are estimated to decimate 3 Million of mankind annually ??

[alfred98]

The flu vaccine out of stock.....tamil flu cannot get supply..........wonder this drug was inverted by tamilian ah?????:rolleyes:

[datokuan]

The flu vaccine out of stock.....tamil flu cannot get supply..........wonder this drug was inverted by tamilian ah?????:rolleyes:

must be.... must be...run out of naming ideas......:rolleyes:

[LaoZhang]

Here is a good article from the MMA president.

http://myhealth-matters.blogspot.com/2009/08/h1n1-flu-whats-current-some-dos-donts.html

[alfred98]

They are now getting serious....:(

[Oddfather]

Izit a good idea to get the tamiflu jab to prevent a person from getting H1N1?

[alfred98]

Izit a good idea to get the tamiflu jab to prevent a person from getting H1N1?

No!!! And is not jab!!! Oral or syrup....injectable onli if severe case!!!

[Fishingman]

No!!! And is not jab!!! Oral or syrup....injectable onli if severe case!!!

Loktor, Sitiawan got case or not?

[SS2006]

We look forward to the specific H1N1 vaccine, when it does come our way, probably towards the end of the year. In the meantime, encouraging those in the front-line, heart or lung patients and frequent travellers to have the seasonal flu vaccination is a useful adjunct to help stem the usual problems from other flu types.
I travel quite frequently, and now almost every country is considered affected country.
I would like to seek advise from doctors here, is it encouraged to get a seasonal flu vaccination.
I really dread the risk of getting quarantined overseas, especially if due to some symptons of seasonal flu only. I wanted to get a seasonal flu vaccine jab last week, but the clinic I went to is out of stock for this jab.

[Oddfather]

We look forward to the specific H1N1 vaccine, when it does come our way, probably towards the end of the year. In the meantime, encouraging those in the front-line, heart or lung patients and frequent travellers to have the seasonal flu vaccination is a useful adjunct to help stem the usual problems from other flu types.
I travel quite frequently, and now almost every country is considered affected country.
I would like to seek advise from doctors here, is it encouraged to get a seasonal flu vaccination.
I really dread the risk of getting quarantined overseas, especially if due to some symptons of seasonal flu only. I wanted to get a seasonal flu vaccine jab last week, but the clinic I went to is out of stock for this jab.
I got the flu jab a few months ago as I know I will be travelling extensively. Maybe a upgrade to tamiflu will prevent me from getting H1N1.

[Oddfather]

No!!! And is not jab!!! Oral or syrup....injectable onli if severe case!!!

loctor, you haven't answer my question. Tamiflu, oral or syrup can prevent H1N1 or not?

[SS2006]

loctor, you haven't answer my question. Tamiflu, oral or syrup can prevent H1N1 or not?

Cannot!!
You are not encouraged to consume Tamiflu unless you are seriously ill.
Indiscriminate and unnecessary use may cause the H1N1 strain to mutate and form resistant to Tamiflu, that's what the article tells us.

Docs, is it true that a patient can only use Tamiflu once in the lifetime? The body already form resistance to the drug after that?
Some people say keep Tamiflu as the final life saving resort only.

[alfred98]

[I][COLOR="Blue"]
I would like to seek advise from doctors here, is it encouraged to get a seasonal flu vaccination.
I really dread the risk of getting quarantined overseas, especially if due to some symptons of seasonal flu only. I wanted to get a seasonal flu vaccine jab last week, but the clinic I went to is out of stock for this jab.
Seasonal flu now....is out season lioa....waiting for next season vaccine to arrive....that's why all stock habis.....
loctor, you haven't answer my question. Tamiflu, oral or syrup can prevent H1N1 or not?

Don't use for prevention lah.....currently used for treatment.....by the way U got meh...Tamilflu???

[LiLiaN]

tamiflu is an anti-viral drug, so its use is in preventing viral replication in the body...
it is most effective when taken during the first couple of days of infection...
therefore it is NOT something to be used as a precautionary measure!
misuse of the drug will only speed up the process of disease resistance...

[alfred98]

Loktor, Sitiawan got case or not?

They don't do test anymore unless veri severe and in ICU lioa.....so....confirmed got case lah!!! One patient post delivery passed away in HSM refered from HAT....confirmed H1N1.....

[SS2006]

I saw in the news today, this person (dun know what's his name) saying Malaysia will declare 'darurat' if H1N1 case increase to 0.4%. Currently it's 0.1% population.
Say say only, issit...if they're not even testing for H1N1 anymore. Anyway, the article here says 95% of flu cases are likely to be H1N1 strain. So surely more that 0.4% already, right?

One interesting thing I observed when I was holidaying the KL last week. Many people were wearing mask (paper type one) in KLIA, and 1 utama.
In Singapore I hardly see anyone wearing mask, except the doctors and health workers in clinic and hospitals.
And now, much less H1N1 measures already. Even the schools stopped the twice daily temperature measurement, and CCA schedule back to normal.
Only the infected or suspected person are advised to wear mask here. The paper surgical mask are said to effective only in preventing the wearer from spreading out the water droplets containing the H1N1, but not effective in keeping a healthy person from catching it.
For protecting yourself from catching the flu, must use 3M N95 respirator!! And keep 3M profits high...hehehe

[athena]

I saw in the news today, this person (dun know what's his name) saying Malaysia will declare 'darurat' if H1N1 case increase to 0.4%. Currently it's 0.1% population.
Say say only, issit...if they're not even testing for H1N1 anymore. Anyway, the article here says 95% of flu cases are likely to be H1N1 strain. So surely more that 0.4% already, right?

One interesting thing I observed when I was holidaying the KL last week. Many people were wearing mask (paper type one) in KLIA, and 1 utama.
In Singapore I hardly see anyone wearing mask, except the doctors and health workers in clinic and hospitals.
And now, much less H1N1 measures already. Even the schools stopped the twice daily temperature measurement, and CCA schedule back to normal.
Only the infected or suspected person are advised to wear mask here. The paper surgical mask are said to effective only in preventing the wearer from spreading out the water droplets containing the H1N1, but not effective in keeping a healthy person from catching it.
For protecting yourself from catching the flu, must use 3M N95 respirator!! And keep 3M profits high...hehehe
the 0.4% is death rate.....

[SS2006]

the 0.4% is death rate.....

oic, thanks :)..

[KongMing]

My whole family down with flu 2 weeks ago, cough, fever, runny nose, mild sore throat, lack of appetite, very likely H1N1, though both adults got no fever. For the kids, we went to clinic, take fever medicine at most. The elder one took antibiotic after cough and low grade fever for 1 week plus scared got lung infection. Subsequently whole family went TCM, they were many children there who got similar sympton. The TCM doctor said it's very common, don't have to worry. We all now recovered. I think if you stay healthy, eat more fresh vege and fruits, more soupy meal and less fried and spicy things during this critical time, even you got it, your body can overcome it. IMHO, our antibody is the ultimate weapon against H1N1. Sleep early is also a good medicine. We should leave the vaccine to those(old and weak and with critical medical condition) who really need it. Ok, it's late. Got to stop here.