It shocked the world!

The 2009 flu pandemic is an A (H1N1) pandemic and a global outbreak of a new strain of virus, identified in April 2009, which was commonly known as ‘swine flu’. It is known as ‘swine flu’ because laboratory testing showed that many of the genes in this new virus were very similar to influenza viruses that normally occur in pigs.

H1N1 transmitted between humans. Experts assumed that the virus emerged from pigs in Asia and the virus was carried to North America by infected people but the outbreak actually began in Mexico. Mexico government closed down most of public and private offices to help decrease the spread.

There is further evidence that the new strain has been circulating among pigs, possibly among multiple continents, for many years prior to its transmission to humans. Virtually all transmission is from human to human. However, cooked pork products are safe for humans and the virus cannot be transmitted from foods.

The symptoms

• Fever (greater than 100º F or 38º C)
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Stuffy nose
• Chills
• Headaches and body aches
• Tired and breathless

How to prevent H1N1?

The virus typically spreads from coughs and sneezes or by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the nose or mouth.

STOP the spread of flu germs by:

1. Covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze
2. Throw your used tissue in the rubbish bin or in a plastic bag
3. Wash and dry your hands often, especially after coughing or sneezing – use antibacterial soap
4. Not spitting on roads, floors, or walls.
5. Washing handkerchiefs separately from regular clothing.
6. Stay away from others if you are sick including not sharing eating utensils, drinking glasses, towels, or other personal items
7. Maintaining a clean home or office space by regularly disinfecting with alcohol commonly used surfaces or objects like door knobs, telephone, kitchen sinks, and desks.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC) notes that most hospitalizations have been of people that also had underlying conditions such as asthma, diabetes, obesity, heart disease, or a weakened immune system.

Asia have taken action in enforcing strict quarantines on travelers showing any symptoms, along with travelers seated nearby any infected persons in an attempt to slow the spread of the illness. Now, all airports (international and domestic) have requested pre-screening passengers before and after they travel.

Stay Healthy for prevention

Eat balanced diet

Follow the food pyramid in your daily food intake. Keep low on food that are rich in saturated fats like red meat, poultry, and tropical oil, and trans fats like margarine, cookies, and fries. Get enough of potassium, fiber, vitamins A and C, calcium, and iron from fruits and vegetables and other foods like raisins, whole grain bread, liver, and cashew nuts.

Take vitamins regularly

To supplement your daily nutritional requirement, take vitamins A, B, C, and E to help strengthen your body’s immune system. You can get these essential vitamins from among our trusted vitamin brands like Enervon C, Conzace, and Havitall for adults and Enervon-C plus syrup and Ceelin and Tiki-tiki for kids.

Regular exercise

A simple commitment to daily walking or jogging exercise, at least 1 hour, 2-3 times a week would already give you a good body workout.

Exercise not only makes you feel good by releasing the ‘happy hormone’ endorphins, it also helps you decrease your body fat, lowers your risk of developing diabetes, and strengthens your cardio and respiratory systems, which essentially would boost your immune system.

Get enough sleep

Sleep is the body’s natural way of energizing itself. During sleep, your body is on “rehabilitative” mode, stimulating hormones that repair muscles and tissues and strengthening your immune system. When the immune system is strengthened, it is in a better condition to fight off infections, viral attacks, and illnesses. Get at least six to eight hours of sleep everyday, which health experts identify as the adequate amount of sleep for adults.

Maintain good hygiene

Most illnesses can be prevented by practicing hygienic habits, whether you’re at home, in the office, or in any public place. Always wash your hands before and after meals as germs spread easily through dirty hands.

Get  vaccinated

While the seasonal flu vaccine does not offer protection against the Influenza A(H1N1) virus, it’s still prudent to get yourself vaccinated for the seasonal flu. The fight for a healthy body starts with combating common illnesses like flu.