Are the rising swine flu
casualties giving you jitters? Not sure how you can avoid falling prey to the growing epidemic? First and foremost,
there is absolutely no need to panic. Watching television to keep tabs on the progress of H1N1, particularly in the badly affected areas like Pune, is all right. But don't let the hysterical anchors get under your skin and start wearing a mask each time you step out of the house, unless you are visiting a very crowded area. Then too, the mask will protect you only for a specified period. Without giving in to the swine flu panic and creating a stockpile of Tamiflu and N-95 masks at home and enriching pharma companies, there are a number of other measures you can take to ensure that the virus is not able to get you, irrespective of which part of the world you are in. It is essential to remember that all kinds of viruses and bacteria can attack you when your immune system is weak, or they can weaken it easily. Hence, building your own defences would be a better, more practical, long-lasting and much more economical idea. Here are some easy steps you can take to tackle a flu virus of any kind, including swine flu. It is not necessary to follow all the steps at once. You can pick and choose a combination of remedies that suit you best. However, if you are already suffering from flu, these measures can help only up to an extent. And, if you have been infected by H1N1, visiting a hospital and staying in solitary confinement is a must. 1. Have five duly washed leaves of Tulsi (known as Basil in English; medicinal name Ocimum sanctum) everyday in the morning. Tulsi has a large number of therapeutic properties. It keeps throat and lungs clear and helps in infections by way of strengthening your immunity. 2. Giloi (medicinal name Tinospora cordifolia) is a commonly available plant in many areas. Take a one-foot long branch of giloi, add five to six leaves of Tulsi and boil in water for 15-20 minutes or long enough to allow the water to extract its properties. Add black pepper and sendha (salt used during religious fasts), rock or black salt, or Misri (crystalised sugar like lumps to make it sweet) according to taste. Let it cool a bit and drink this kadha (concoction) while still warm. It will work wonders for your immunity. If giloi plant is not available, get processed giloi powder from Hamdard or others, and concoct a similar drink once a day. 3. A small piece of camphor (kapoor) approximately the size of a tablet should be taken once or twice a month. It can be swallowed with water by adults while children can take it along with mashed potatoes or banana because they will find it difficult to have it without any aides. Please remember camphor is not to be taken everyday, but only once each season, or once a month. 4. Those who can take garlic, must have two pods of raw garlic first thing in the morning. To be swallowed daily with lukewarm water. Garlic too strengthens immunity like the earlier measures mentioned. 5. Those not allergic to milk, must take a glass of hot or lukewarm milk every night with a small measure of haldi (turmeric). 6. Aloe vera (gwarpatha) too is a commonly available plant. Its thick and long, cactus-like leaves have an odourless gel. A teaspoon gel taken with water daily can work wonders for not only your skin and joint pains, but also boost immunity. 7. Take homeopathic medicines — Pyrogenium 200 and Inflenzium 200 in particular — five tablets three times a day, or two-three drops three times a day. While these are not specifically targeted at H1N1 either, these work well as preventive against common flu virus. 8. Do Pranayam daily (preferably under guidance if you are already not initiated into it) and go for morning jog/walk regularly to keep your throat and lungs in good condition and body in fine fettle. Even in small measures, it will work wonders for your body’s resistance against all such diseases which attack the nose, throat and lungs, besides keeping you fit. 9. Have citrus fruits, particularly Vitamin C rich Amla (Indian gooseberry) juice. Since fresh Amla is not yet available in the market (not for another three to four months), it is not a bad idea to buy packaged Amla juice which is commonly available nowadays. 10. Last but not the least, wash your hands frequently every day with soap and warm water for 15-20 seconds; especially before meals, or each time after touching a surface that you suspect could be contaminated with flu virus such as a door handle or a knob/handle, especially if you have returned from a public place or used public transport. Alcohol-based hand cleaners should be kept handy at all times and used until you can get soap and warm water.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
medicine for swine flu: cheapest medicine
Here i have mentioned the cheapest medicine for swine flu, available at ur home.
Scientific Prevention of Swine Flu using household products - 1} Inhale clove ( lavang ) oil for 1 sec. 2} Chew 1 clove in a day. 3} Eat raw garlic ( lasun ), onion ( kanda ),ginger ( ala )( 0.1 to 0.5 gm ). 4} Drink hot milk with 2 gm of turmeric. 5} Consume plenty of Vit – C, Fruits, Lemon / Avala. 6}Use " Nilgiri oil drops on handkerchief.
Scientific Prevention of Swine Flu using household products - 1} Inhale clove ( lavang ) oil for 1 sec. 2} Chew 1 clove in a day. 3} Eat raw garlic ( lasun ), onion ( kanda ),ginger ( ala )( 0.1 to 0.5 gm ). 4} Drink hot milk with 2 gm of turmeric. 5} Consume plenty of Vit – C, Fruits, Lemon / Avala. 6}Use " Nilgiri oil drops on handkerchief.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Swine Flu: Alcoholic Hand sanitizers have side effects
In today’s world, we are surrounded by a multitude of bacteria, germs, and viruses, as well as stories of new strains of those viruses, leading to serious illnesses and, in some cases, even death. In response, we seek convenient and more effective ways to protect ourselves and our patients. At the same time, research has discovered that the products we know so well and trusted in for so long are not nearly as effective as once believed to be. For the past few years, use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers has been the common reaction of the public. However, not only are alcohol-based hand sanitizers a less effective alternative for sanitizing germs, but they cause various other problems. Because alcohol removes the skin’s natural oils, which is one of our bodies’ natural defenses against bacteria, repeated use of alcohol can actually increases skin bacteria hours later. Further, alcohol-based hand sanitizers only kill germs for up to 10 seconds until it has evaporated, leaving the user susceptible to the inadvertent spreading of germs not long after application. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are also extremely flammable and have harmful side effects after repeated usage which include dry, cracked hands and painful irritation. Emergency Medical Products, a Wisconsin company, has recently introduced a new, government tested product line called DepHyze (pronounced “defies”) and military and Hospital grade Symagin. The DepHyze alcohol-free hand sanitizer, has proven to be more effective against a broad range of bacteria and viruses, with less harmful side-effects than alcohol-based brands. Quoting Charlie Talley, V.P. - Technical at Tionicon, manufacturer of the DepHyze products, “The development of DepHyze Hand Sanitizer is the result of a request for a product to help control the spread of viruses in confined areas. Specifically, the cruise line industry wanted a safer, more effective product to control the possible spread of Norovirus (Norwalk). DepHyze Hand Sanitizer has proven to be very effective against this virus as well as an additional twenty other micro-organisms it has been tested against. The overall results of this product produced an average of a 5-log reduction (99.999%) in normal skin flora. This reduction is ten times greater than that of the best selling alcohol based hand sanitizer.” DepHyze and Symagin Foaming Hand Sanitizer is alcohol-free and extremely effective and FDA accepted. It provides a barrier on the hands for up to 120 minutes after application, allowing for future protection against bacteria, germs and other pathogens. The active ingredient in DepHyze Foaming Hand Sanitizer is benzalkonium chloride, an alcohol-free antimicrobial compound that has been widely used in hospitals for more than 60 years in surface cleaners and sterilizing agents. Since there is no alcohol, it is not flammable and does not irritate the skin. Other products in the DepHyze product line include Ultra Clean - a one-step all-purpose surface cleaner that is EPA registered and NSF listed for use around food processing; Decon 3D - an all-purpose EPA registered disinfectant, decontaminant, and deodorizer with an efficacy of up to 99.99999% against most known micro-organisms; DepHyze Laundry – an excellent cleaner and deodorizer that removes smoke odors and musty odors caused by mold, mildew and water damage and DepHyze Carpet Cleaner – a cleaner and deodorizer formulated to be extremely resistant to mold and mildew growth.
Swine flu claimed 14 lives
The swine flu virus has claimed 14 people across India with the latest casualty being reported from Nashik on Wednesday morning.
Thirty-three-old Dr. Rakesh Gangurde, was being treated in Suyash Hospital in Nashik. He was being treated in a private hospital and was shifted in a critical condition to civil hospital at 3 am today morning.
Dr Gangurde originally belonged to Malegaon.
Now the toll of swine flu casualties in Maharashtra has touched 10 and totals upto 14 in India.Earlier today, "29-year old Shrawani Deshpande died at around 2.30 am due to bilateral pneumonia following severe lung infection caused by the H1N1 virus," attending doctors said.
This is the seventh death in Pune.
Shrawani, a resident of Kothrud area, was admitted to Sasoon hospital in a critical condition on August 10 after being referred from Sashwat private hospital, they said.
She died barely two hours after 35-year-old Sanjay Mistry died at the same hospital. Mistry was earlier admitted in Veeramai hospital and was on ventilator support.
On Sunday night, he was shifted to Sassoon Hospital and was said to be in critical condition.
Swine flu has struck in Kerala. A 35-year-old man has become the first victim of swine flu in the southern state.
The patient, Wilson Lukose, had been admitted to a private hospital in Thiruvananthpuram.
Earlier on Tuesday, three more persons - one each in Pune, Vadodara and Mumbai - had died of swine flu and the virus spread to new areas in Jammu and Meghalaya and cast its shadow on the World Badminton championship in Hyderabad.
In worrying signs, swine flu cases crossed the 1,000 mark as the Centre and the states intensified their battle against the infection. Private hospitals in Mumbai stepped in to offer treatment to ease the burden on the government hospitals.
Scores of schools across several cities were also shut.
The Centre dispatched central teams to all states and Union Territories after Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad chaired a meeting of 35 additional secretaries and joint secretaries drawn from various ministries who would fan out to the states. He also spoke to all Chief Ministers over the last 24 hours and told them to step up preparedness.
Vadodra recorded its first swine flu victim when a seven-year-old girl Arya Borde, who was in a critical condition, died, SSG Hospital Medical Superintendent Atul Saxena said. This was the second H1N1 fatality in Gujarat.
A fifth death was registered in Pune, the epicentre of the H1N1 virus accounting for a quarter of all infections, after a 13-year-old girl Shruti Gawade, a student of Ahilyadevi school, succumbed to the virus infection.
Sayeeda Dorheewala, a 63-year-old woman from Mumbra in Thane district, died in a private hospital at Byculla to become the second victim in the western metropolis. Health officials said H1N1 was not the primary reason for her death.
In Hyderabad, the World Badminton tourney was hit by the swine flu scare with a Malaysian coach being quarantined in a government hospital after showing influenza-like symptoms.
A MBA girl studying in Pune and a 17-year-old boy who came from the UK tested positive for swine flu in Jammu and Shillong respectively.
Swine flu death toll rises to 10
Swine flu deaths continued unabated with two girls and a 63-year-old woman on Tuesday succumbing to the deadly virus, taking the countrywide toll to ten even as the Centre asked the States to take urgent steps to tackle the pandemic.
Vadodra in Gujarat reported its first flu victim when a seven-year-old girl, Arya Borde, who was in a critical condition, died due to the viral disease, Sir Sayajirao Gaeikwad Hospital Medical Superintendent Atul Saxena said.
"She was on ventilator support since August 7. The result of H1N1 test was confirmed on August 8. She became critical on Tuesday morning and passed away at 12.30 hours," Principal Secretary, Health, Ravi Saxena said.
In Pune, the worst hit city in Maharashtra, 13-year- old Shruti Gawade, a student of Ahilyadevi school, died due to the virus infection. She had been kept on ventilator since August 7 at government-owned Sassoon hospital where she was brought from a private hospital in a critical condition, said Pandurang Pawar, Medical Superintendent of Sassoon hospital.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Swine Flu Pune : symptoms and precautions
Origin :-
Swine Flu is a respiratory disease, caused by a strain of the influenza virus known as H1N1. Although, H1N1 is the same strain that causes seasonal outbreaks of flu in humans, the latest type is different as it is a mutated version containing genetic material that is generally found in strains of the virus that affect humans, birds and swine (pigs). What has happened this time is that the flu viruses from humans and pigs have swapped genetic components with each other, and evolved into a completely new variety – Hence the absence of any concrete treatment plan for it. Although the strain may have originated in pigs, it is now a wholly human disease and is being transmitted person-to-person.
Symptoms: The first symptoms of swine flu are fever (greater than 100°F or 37.8°C), sore throat, body ache and fatigue.
. Some patients have also complained about running nose, diarrhoea and vomiting. Persons who have travelled overseas recently should be extra cautious and seek medical help immediately if they have these symptoms. But these symptoms alone would not suggest that a person is infected by Swine Flu, as it can be confirmed only after testing a respiratory specimen, that’s taken from the suspected case within the first four to five days. So it is important to seek medical help if one feels that he/she has flu.
Precautions: As the flu is now spreading by people-to-people to contact, the infection primarily spreads when a person comes in close contact with an infected person. The simple way to minimise the risk is by covering the mouth and nose while coughing and sneezing and wearing a mask while going close to the infected person. Maintaining high level of hygiene is also important and one should always wash hands frequently with soap and water. Since influenza spreads through both air and contact with contaminated surfaces, surface sanitizing may help prevent some infections. For that alcohol is an effective sanitizer, bleach can also be used to sanitize rooms or equipment that have been occupied by patients with influenza symptoms.
Treatment : People with the flu are advised to get plenty of rest, drink plenty of liquids, avoid using alcohol and tobacco and, if necessary, take medications such as paracetamol (acetaminophen) to relieve the fever and muscle aches associated with the flu.
However, the best way would be to get in touch with your doctor, who can help you get the right treatment.
Swine Flu is a respiratory disease, caused by a strain of the influenza virus known as H1N1. Although, H1N1 is the same strain that causes seasonal outbreaks of flu in humans, the latest type is different as it is a mutated version containing genetic material that is generally found in strains of the virus that affect humans, birds and swine (pigs). What has happened this time is that the flu viruses from humans and pigs have swapped genetic components with each other, and evolved into a completely new variety – Hence the absence of any concrete treatment plan for it. Although the strain may have originated in pigs, it is now a wholly human disease and is being transmitted person-to-person.
Symptoms: The first symptoms of swine flu are fever (greater than 100°F or 37.8°C), sore throat, body ache and fatigue.
. Some patients have also complained about running nose, diarrhoea and vomiting. Persons who have travelled overseas recently should be extra cautious and seek medical help immediately if they have these symptoms. But these symptoms alone would not suggest that a person is infected by Swine Flu, as it can be confirmed only after testing a respiratory specimen, that’s taken from the suspected case within the first four to five days. So it is important to seek medical help if one feels that he/she has flu.
Precautions: As the flu is now spreading by people-to-people to contact, the infection primarily spreads when a person comes in close contact with an infected person. The simple way to minimise the risk is by covering the mouth and nose while coughing and sneezing and wearing a mask while going close to the infected person. Maintaining high level of hygiene is also important and one should always wash hands frequently with soap and water. Since influenza spreads through both air and contact with contaminated surfaces, surface sanitizing may help prevent some infections. For that alcohol is an effective sanitizer, bleach can also be used to sanitize rooms or equipment that have been occupied by patients with influenza symptoms.
Treatment : People with the flu are advised to get plenty of rest, drink plenty of liquids, avoid using alcohol and tobacco and, if necessary, take medications such as paracetamol (acetaminophen) to relieve the fever and muscle aches associated with the flu.
However, the best way would be to get in touch with your doctor, who can help you get the right treatment.
H1N1: Vaccines not before Dec
Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad said on Monday the government is taking all possible steps to fight swine flu that has so far claimed six lives across India.While addressing the media on the outbreak of swine flu, he said a central team will visit states to help people afflicted with H1N1 virus. However, the government accepted that the swine flu vaccine will not be ready before December.
HERE ARE KEY POINTS:
"Considering our population, we have a long battle on our hands," the minister said."The government has installed four thermal scanners at Delhi Airport. We have been regularly liasing with state governments," he said.He said 341 patients are getting treated at various hospitals.Most cases have been detected during airport screening, he said.There are 864 identified cases of swine flu, he said.He also said private laboratories that fulfill guidelines can test swine flu patients.Testing centres for swine flu have increased to 18 from two, he said.The Centre is bearing all costs of tests for patients.Three pharma companies are working top develop a vaccine.Also, Tamiflu will not be available for purchase, he added.The government will import 20,000 testing kits.The government will stock two crore Tamiflu tablets.The vaccine will not be ready before December."I urge parents to keep children indoors," he said.
Closure of schools is not a solution, the minister maintained.
The state governments will decide on closure of schools.
The government will soon come up with a swine flu website.
HERE ARE KEY POINTS:
"Considering our population, we have a long battle on our hands," the minister said."The government has installed four thermal scanners at Delhi Airport. We have been regularly liasing with state governments," he said.He said 341 patients are getting treated at various hospitals.Most cases have been detected during airport screening, he said.There are 864 identified cases of swine flu, he said.He also said private laboratories that fulfill guidelines can test swine flu patients.Testing centres for swine flu have increased to 18 from two, he said.The Centre is bearing all costs of tests for patients.Three pharma companies are working top develop a vaccine.Also, Tamiflu will not be available for purchase, he added.The government will import 20,000 testing kits.The government will stock two crore Tamiflu tablets.The vaccine will not be ready before December."I urge parents to keep children indoors," he said.
Closure of schools is not a solution, the minister maintained.
The state governments will decide on closure of schools.
The government will soon come up with a swine flu website.
Swine flu in Bihar
With increasing number of swine flu cases being reported across the country, Bihar government has asked hospital authorities in the state to keep ready separate beds for patients suspected to be infected by the deadly virus.
While Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) has been asked to keep 25 beds ready for such patients, five other medical colleges located at Patna, Muzaffarpur, Bhagalpur, Darbhanga and Gaya have been asked to keep two beds each ready for swine flu patients, state Director (Health services) Dr S P Singh said.
As people’s mobility has increased, there is possibility of such infections being carried from one part of the country to another, Singh said.
The precautionary measures have been taken in the wake of reports of 14 swine flu infected cases reported from different parts of the country.
Singh said sufficient stock of Tamiflu has been supplied to all hospitals and state Health department has deployed special teams at Raxaul and Jogbani, on the Indo-Nepal porous border with Bihar, through which large number of tourists enter.
Similarly, airport authorities in Patna and Gaya have been alerted.
While Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) has been asked to keep 25 beds ready for such patients, five other medical colleges located at Patna, Muzaffarpur, Bhagalpur, Darbhanga and Gaya have been asked to keep two beds each ready for swine flu patients, state Director (Health services) Dr S P Singh said.
As people’s mobility has increased, there is possibility of such infections being carried from one part of the country to another, Singh said.
The precautionary measures have been taken in the wake of reports of 14 swine flu infected cases reported from different parts of the country.
Singh said sufficient stock of Tamiflu has been supplied to all hospitals and state Health department has deployed special teams at Raxaul and Jogbani, on the Indo-Nepal porous border with Bihar, through which large number of tourists enter.
Similarly, airport authorities in Patna and Gaya have been alerted.
H1N1 hits trade in Pune
Branded retail stores, hypermarkets, malls with multiplexes in Pune have started feeling the pinch with dented sales to the tune of 15% to 20% due to the ongoing swine flu epidemic in Pune, followed with Maharashtra. According to industry players, the dip in footfalls at retail stores in Pune can go up to 100% in the next seven days.
Manish Parekh, managing director, @Home Retail told FE, \"Currently, we have two stores in Pune and with the spread of swine flue epidemic, we have witnessed 15% dip in sales. If the epidemic spreads at a similar pace in Mumbai, we would witness additional dip in the near future.\"
Big Bazaar, part of the Future Group, which currently has 6 hypermarkets in Pune is currently watching the grace situation in Pune where shoppers have stopped visiting hypermarkets in order to avoid being in crowd.
According to Rajan Malhotra, chief executive officer, Big Bazaar said, \"In Big Baazar in Pune, the footfalls has dropped significantly as people are becoming extra cautious to even venture out of the house. Hence, sales dip effect are being felt and will be even more drastic by the end of this quarter as drop in footfalls can even go up to 100%.\"
Fun Cinemas, a five screen multiplex apart from other multiplexes in Pune have also started witnessing significant dip in enquiries and footfalls, according to a company source.
Fast food retail giant, McDonald\'s India has started taking certain steps as precautionary measures such as providing helpline numbers to customers, crew members wearing respiratory masks within McDonald\'s restaurants to ensure their and customers safety as well. The company is currently evaluating the rate at which footfalls have dipped within McDonald\'s restaurants and its impact on sales.
Retailers Association of India (RAI) is awaiting directives to handle the impact of swine flu epidemic there as they feel that in crucial times of swine flue epidemic, considering people\'s welfare is of prime importance rather than luring them to shop in branded stores in Pune.
Kumar Rajagopalan, chief executive officer said, \"The talks are currently on between organised retailers based in Pune and RAI on how to handle the impact of swine flu epidemic and whether to have HINI centres within retail malls to ensure shoppers health is not neglected by providing them medical emergency while they are shopping.\" (source:- yahoo news)
Manish Parekh, managing director, @Home Retail told FE, \"Currently, we have two stores in Pune and with the spread of swine flue epidemic, we have witnessed 15% dip in sales. If the epidemic spreads at a similar pace in Mumbai, we would witness additional dip in the near future.\"
Big Bazaar, part of the Future Group, which currently has 6 hypermarkets in Pune is currently watching the grace situation in Pune where shoppers have stopped visiting hypermarkets in order to avoid being in crowd.
According to Rajan Malhotra, chief executive officer, Big Bazaar said, \"In Big Baazar in Pune, the footfalls has dropped significantly as people are becoming extra cautious to even venture out of the house. Hence, sales dip effect are being felt and will be even more drastic by the end of this quarter as drop in footfalls can even go up to 100%.\"
Fun Cinemas, a five screen multiplex apart from other multiplexes in Pune have also started witnessing significant dip in enquiries and footfalls, according to a company source.
Fast food retail giant, McDonald\'s India has started taking certain steps as precautionary measures such as providing helpline numbers to customers, crew members wearing respiratory masks within McDonald\'s restaurants to ensure their and customers safety as well. The company is currently evaluating the rate at which footfalls have dipped within McDonald\'s restaurants and its impact on sales.
Retailers Association of India (RAI) is awaiting directives to handle the impact of swine flu epidemic there as they feel that in crucial times of swine flue epidemic, considering people\'s welfare is of prime importance rather than luring them to shop in branded stores in Pune.
Kumar Rajagopalan, chief executive officer said, \"The talks are currently on between organised retailers based in Pune and RAI on how to handle the impact of swine flu epidemic and whether to have HINI centres within retail malls to ensure shoppers health is not neglected by providing them medical emergency while they are shopping.\" (source:- yahoo news)
Multiplexes, schools, colleges in Pune shut down due to swine flu
All schools, colleges and coaching centres in and around Pune will remain shut for the next seven days due to the spread of swine flu. In addition to it, all multiplexes in the city would remain closed for the next three days, Guardian Minister of Pune, Ajit Pawar said. However a review of the situation would be taken after three days and further decision to close down the multiplexes would follow, Pawar added.
Pawar also said that the Diwali holidays would be reduced to seven days to make up for the loss of education during this period.
Pawar has appealed to the people to avoid crowded places and take necessary precautions and not be panicked by rumours.
Pawar also said that the Diwali holidays would be reduced to seven days to make up for the loss of education during this period.
Pawar has appealed to the people to avoid crowded places and take necessary precautions and not be panicked by rumours.
Fifth swine flu victim in Pune; 13-year-old girl dies (Eighth death in India)
Swine Flu claimed its Fifth victim in the worst-hit Pune district this evening, with the death of a 35-year-old man at the Sasoon Hospital, its a 13 year old girl named, Shruti from sasoon hospital only. Six more patients are in a critical position here."Sanjay Tilekar, fourth victim, who was admitted to the hospital on August 6, died due to Swine Flu," hospital sources said.Tilekar, a chemist, was earlier undergoing treatment at Noble Hospital in Hadpsar and then shifted to Sasoon Hospital in a critical condition and had been on ventilator since then, sources said.The patient was suffering from acute respiratory infection, sources said.On August 3, 14-year-old Reeda Sheikh died at the Jehangir Hospital, becoming Indian's first Swine Flu victim.A teacher, Sanjay Kokare, died due to Swine Flu on August 9 and Babasaheb Mane, an Ayurvedic doctor died due to H1N1 in Pune today. On 10th, shruti, she was admitted in the hospital on 7th of August.
PUNE UNDER FLU ( Use N-95 mask in swine flu, H1N1.)
I recently noticed many people wearing "Medical Masks" at places like Airports and Malls. I have even noticed people wearing them out in the open, as they stand with no one around.
Because of this, I would like to dismiss some quick myths about the H1N1 (Swine Flu) and most types of influenza. I will also explain why the masks may do more harm than good.
Common Myths
H1N1 is an airborne virus (FALSE)
The H1N1 virus is not airborne, to be considered an airborne virus, the microorganism would have to survive or remain in the air for long periods of time. The H1N1 virus, like all influenza viruses do not stay in the air in some sort of suspended animation. When a person sneezes, the virus is transferred via the droplets of the sneeze, if someone is infected this way it is known as infection by "Droplet contact" or a "Respiratory Route"
You can get H1N1 from Pork (FALSE)
Just like H5N1 (Avian Flu) you cannot contract the virus by the consumption of cooked meats. Eating pork is still as safe as it was years ago, so go ahead and eat normally.
Now here are some reasons why I do not recommend people wear "Medical Masks"
I have noticed many people wearing masks in crowded placed like airports, here is the problem. Places like airports, malls, etc. are full of germs and bacteria which just lingers around constantly. If a small amount of bacteria gets into a crevasse or hole in the mask you will be providing a breeding ground for the bacteria, which may lead to an illness or infection. The moisture you produce in your mask is perfect for bacteria and viruses, and may be a recipe for disaster.
If you do plan on wearing a mask, be sure it is of high quality and completely seal around your face. These are very expensive, and if not used properly can be counterproductive, so beware buyer. If you are given masks by an employer be sure to inspect the quality of the mask. This may be a placebo or sort.
The way to avoid the H1N1 virus is, to avoid physicall contact with people who may be sick or infected. And avoiding commonly touched surfaces like escalator railings, poles, etc. for some instances where it is necesarry to touch a commonly used surface (like elevator buttons) be creative and try using you elbow, suitcase, etc. carrying around some anti bacterial hand sanitizer wouldn't hurt, and remember to avoid eye, nose and mouth contact with your hands.
Because of this, I would like to dismiss some quick myths about the H1N1 (Swine Flu) and most types of influenza. I will also explain why the masks may do more harm than good.
Common Myths
H1N1 is an airborne virus (FALSE)
The H1N1 virus is not airborne, to be considered an airborne virus, the microorganism would have to survive or remain in the air for long periods of time. The H1N1 virus, like all influenza viruses do not stay in the air in some sort of suspended animation. When a person sneezes, the virus is transferred via the droplets of the sneeze, if someone is infected this way it is known as infection by "Droplet contact" or a "Respiratory Route"
You can get H1N1 from Pork (FALSE)
Just like H5N1 (Avian Flu) you cannot contract the virus by the consumption of cooked meats. Eating pork is still as safe as it was years ago, so go ahead and eat normally.
Now here are some reasons why I do not recommend people wear "Medical Masks"
I have noticed many people wearing masks in crowded placed like airports, here is the problem. Places like airports, malls, etc. are full of germs and bacteria which just lingers around constantly. If a small amount of bacteria gets into a crevasse or hole in the mask you will be providing a breeding ground for the bacteria, which may lead to an illness or infection. The moisture you produce in your mask is perfect for bacteria and viruses, and may be a recipe for disaster.
If you do plan on wearing a mask, be sure it is of high quality and completely seal around your face. These are very expensive, and if not used properly can be counterproductive, so beware buyer. If you are given masks by an employer be sure to inspect the quality of the mask. This may be a placebo or sort.
The way to avoid the H1N1 virus is, to avoid physicall contact with people who may be sick or infected. And avoiding commonly touched surfaces like escalator railings, poles, etc. for some instances where it is necesarry to touch a commonly used surface (like elevator buttons) be creative and try using you elbow, suitcase, etc. carrying around some anti bacterial hand sanitizer wouldn't hurt, and remember to avoid eye, nose and mouth contact with your hands.
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