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YTuesday, May 5, 2009

This morning i just got myself a flu vaccination for free @ work, thanks to the recent outbreak of the H1N1 or Swine Flu.Everyone assumes that the pandemic is caused by consuming pork. Well here my friends are the outlook of the pandemic for you :

Influenza A virus subtype H1N1, also known as A(H1N1), is a subtype of influenzavirus A and the most common cause of influenza (flu) in humans. Some strains of H1N1 are endemic in humans, including the strain(s) responsible for the 1918 flu pandemic which killed 50–100 million people worldwide. Less virulent H1N1 strains still exist in the wild today, worldwide, causing a small fraction of all influenza-like illness and a large fraction of all seasonal influenza. H1N1 strains caused roughly half of all flu infections in 2006.Other strains of H1N1 are endemic in pigs and in birds.
Influenza A virus strains are categorized according to two proteins found on the surface of the virus: hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N). All influenza A viruses contain hemagglutinin and neuraminidase, but the structure of these proteins differs from strain to strain due to rapid genetic mutation in the viral genome.

Influenza A virus strains are assigned an H number and an N number based on which forms of these two proteins the strain contains. There are 16 H and 9 N subtypes known in birds, but only H 1, 2 and 3, and N 1 and 2 are commonly found in humans.There is no risk of infection from this virus from consumption of well-cooked pork and pork products.

Is it safe to eat pork and pork products?
Yes. influenza A(H1N1) has not been shown to be transmissible to people through eating properly handled and prepared pork (pig meat) or other products derived from pigs. The influenza A(H1N1) virus is killed by cooking temperatures of 160°F/70°C, corresponding to the general guidance for the preparation of pork and other meat.

How can I protect myself and prevent illness?
Practise general preventive measures for influenza to prevent infection:
Avoid close contact with people who appear unwell and have fever and cough;
wash your hands with soap and water thoroughly and often;
practise good health habits including adequate sleep, eating nutritious food, and keeping physically active.

How do I care for an ill person at home?
Separate the ill person from others, keeping the person at least 1 metre in distance from others.
Cover your mouth and nose when caring for the ill person. Either commercial or homemade materials are fine, as long as they are disposed of or cleaned properly after use.

Wash your hands with soap and water thoroughly after each contact with the ill person.
Improve the air flow where the ill person stays. Use doors and windows to take advantage of breezes.
Keep the environment clean with readily available household cleaning agents.
If you are living in a country where there are infections follow additional advice from your national and local health authorities.

What should I do if I think I have the illness?
If you feel unwell, have high fever, cough or sore throat:
Stay at home and keep away from work, school or crowds.
Rest and take plenty of fluids.

Cover your mouth and nose with disposable tissues when coughing and sneezing, and dispose of the used tissues properly.
Wash your hands with soap and water often and thoroughly, especially after coughing or sneezing. Inform family and friends about your illness and try to avoid contact with other people.

What should I do if I need medical attention?

Contact your doctor or healthcare provider before travelling to a health facility, and report your symptoms. Explain why you think you have influenza A(H1N1) (if you have recently travelled to a country where there is an outbreak in humans). Follow the advice given to you.
If it is not possible to contact your healthcare provider in advance, communicate your suspicion of infection as soon as you arrive at the facility.Cover your nose and mouth during travel.

HappilyEverAfter.

By Angie.
10:03 AM