China Reacts to Swine Flu

As I said, Asia has so far not reported any official cases of swine flu, though the deadly A/H1N1 virus has possibly been brought back to Asia (more specifically Korea) via a tourist coming back from Mexico.  

I applaud the measures that China is taking in response to the flu.  The SARS and Avian Flu scares of the past decade have surely put in much better measures to protect the people of China than there were before those outbreaks.  

Although there is no vaccine to fight the virus so far, the centre said swine flu was "preventable, controllable and treatable."

Notices have been posted at airports across the country advising people who return from disease affected regions to report flu like symptoms at the point of entry.

Walk-through thermal scans have been activated to detect travellers with a high fever.

A series of tough measures has also been announced in Hong Kong, where the Sars virus (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) killed hundreds of people in 2003.

China, with its massive population and large communities living in close proximity to farm animals, is one of the most susceptible to large outbreaks of diseases.  It's good to hear that they are going through all the proper precautions.

At the same time, it is disappointing to see the usual lackluster response from the US.  Despite our "advanced" economy and "streamlined" DHS, the reaction in a place that is already quickly being overrun by the virus is pathetic.  

EL PASO, Texas (AP) -- U.S. airports and border agents waved people through Monday with little or no additional screening for Mexico's deadly swine flu - a far more muted reaction than the extreme caution elsewhere around the world.

But the American reaction to swine flu, which has killed up to 149 people in Mexico and on Monday led the World Health Organization to raise its alert level, was mostly limited to steps that hospitals, schools and mask-wearing individuals took on their own.

At the main pedestrian border crossing between El Paso and Mexico's Ciudad Juarez, a handful of people wore protective masks and officials handed out a swine flu flier provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

But there were no extra screenings for swine flu, and it mostly looked like a typical day at the border. Suddenly faced with a new and unforeseen threat, people entering the country who said they felt unwell were questioned about their symptoms. But there were no reports of anyone refused entry.

Just a typical day at the border I guess.  No wonder so many drugs can easily get into our country, we couldn't care less what's crossing the border, whether it be narcotics, gang members, or a potentially existential virus. 

WHO Raises Swine Flu Alert Despite Few Changes

The WHO raised it's flu alert level, according to this New York Times article.  What struck me a about this article was that, despite the raised threat level, they are not issuing recommendations for containment.  It seems that since the flu has already spread to so many diverse locations, even to New Zealand that containment is now futile(?)

The W.H.O.’s emergency committee, after meeting until 10:30 p.m. in Geneva, also recommended abandoning efforts to contain the flu’s spread.

“Because the virus is already quite widespread in different locations, containment is not a feasible option,” said Dr. Keiji Fukuda, the organization’s deputy director general.

What bothers me is that there are no cases in Asia yet, and the WHO is not recommending any travel bans or containment for that continent.  Last time I check the W in WHO stood for "world" but maybe it just means "Western".  I hope that Asian countries wise up and begin taking their own measures.

N95 Respiratory Masks Help Prevent Swine Flu

I wanted to post an update to what I had written yesterday about how normal surgical masks DO NOT prevent the users from susceptibility to swine flu, but rather guard the flu from spreading from people who already have contracted the virus by blocking particles leaving the mouth and nose through sneezing, coughing, and breathing.  

However, there is a better solution!  The CDC recommends the use of N95 respiratory masks, which filter out 95% of particles in the air.  There is a great list of NIOSH approved masks on this site and the instructions on how to use them (the instruction are important, you need to create as tight of a seal as possible, otherwise they are much less effective). 

Below is an excellent list I found here giving a rundown of the best respirator masks.  The author also gives some good advice - buy these as soon as possible before prices skyrocket which may happen if the flu get out of control.  If it doesn't, just be glad that you have them hanging around for another time.  It's never a bad idea to be prepared.

1. Milwaukee N95 Respirator Mask - 20 piece - (eligible for Amazon Prime shipping) -$5.99
2. 3M 8000 Particle Respirator N95, 30-Pack - $10.99
3. NIOSH N95 Respirator Dust Mask (Box of 20) - $22.10
4. Gerson 27377 N95 Particulate Respirator Mask (20 pack) - $14.99
5. 3M 9211 Disposable N95 Respirator,Collapse Resistant 3-Pan Design w/Cool-Flow Valve (Pack of 10) - $18.00
6. 3M 9210 Series Flat Fold N95 Respirator - 20 Per Box - $23.00
7. Moldex 2207N95 - Alternate Size Particulate Respirator N95 Dust Mask, Sold by the Box of 10 Masks - $18.45
8. Willson N95 Respirator, Basic, Size: M/L (Medium/Large), Respiratory Face Mask -$3.49
9. 3M Health Care N95 Particulate Respirator And Surgical Mask Small - $26.08
10. Nexcare All Purpose Mask - 5 ea - $6.19

Any of these will do, but as I said, order quickly before things get out of hand and there aren't stockpiles of these things lying around.  Trust me your going to want one.

No Vaccine for Swine Flu

As I wrote yesterday, there is no vaccine for swine flu and nothing can prevent you from contracting this virus except GOOD PERSONAL HYGINE.  Don't forget that this is still the most important aspect to remember for prevention.  While there isn't a vaccine, current flu medication is effictive after the virus is contracted.  So, if you have any way of getting any of the following medications, please do so.  The CDC has listed the following as it's recommendations for medication:

CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with swine influenza viruses.

• Oseltamivir (brand name Tamiflu ®) is approved to both treat and prevent influenza A and B virus infection in people one year of age and older.
• Zanamivir (brand name Relenza ®) is approved to treat influenza A and B virus infection in people 7 years and older and to prevent influenza A and B virus infection in people 5 years and older.

Recommendations for using antiviral drugs for treatment or prevention of swine influenza will change as we learn more about this new virus.

Clinicians should consider treating any person with confirmed or suspected swine influenza with an antiviral drug. Visit: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/recommendations.htm for specific recommendations.

I mentioned both of these in a previous post, so check out the information and know how you can access Tamiflu or Relenza in case you are infected.  

Swine Flu Declared Public Health Hazard by US

The United States today declared a public health emergency in response to the outbreak of swine flu.  There have been a total of 20 confirmed cases in the United States and 8 in New York.  There is a seriously dearth of information about what is really going on and that is why the WHO has not raised it's alert level quite yet, though it seems they are on the brink of doing so, calling it a 'public health event of international concern'.  

However, just because it is labelled "emergency" doesn't mean you should start to lock the doors and take the shotgun you've been hiding in the basement for the last 20 years out.  Janet Napolitano, Homeland Security Secretary, said it was comparable to raising the threat level for a hurricane where funds are made available if the hurricane were to hit.  So when you wake up today and see the headlines, don't panic, just be alert and read this blog to be more prepared if the swine flu outbreak truly does become a pandemic.

Swine Flu Prevention Through Hand Washing

As I've said, washing your hands (along with staying away from public areas) is the most effective way to prevent swine flu infection.  Hand washing not only prevents infection from swine flu, but as we've all been taught from a young age, a host of other infections.  So, whether there is the threat of swine flu or not, it is always good to maintain the proper hand washing habits.  There is a great site here that goes over many of the basics, but I'll summarize:

• Wash with soap (antibacterial soap is not necessary) and water or an alcohol based sanitizer
  
• Antimicrobial wipes are just as effective as soap. It would be an excellent idea to carry these types of wipes or alcohol based sanitizer with you at all times, especially when going to areas affected by the swine flu virus
  
• If you are using alcohol based hand sanitizer make sure it is more than 60% alcohol, otherwise it won't be as effective for killing germs and diseases
  

They also offer some good advice for how to wash your hands:

• Wet your hands with warm water and apply soap
• Rub your hands together vigorously for 15 to 20 seconds (that's longer than you think, use the happy birthday rule).
• Scrub all surfaces including in between your fingers, the back of your hand, wrists, and under your finger nails.  
• Rinse well
• Dry your hands with a clean, disposible towel
• Use that same towel to turn off the faucet

Remember, all of these techniques are for your own benefit.  Maybe you've considered it a chore to wash your hands in the proper way until now, but when you are faced with a possiblely deadly flu outbreak, you shouldn't hesistate to spend a good amount of time in front of the sink each time you wash.  And of course, wash your hands as often as possible.

Moving on to hand sanitizers, alcohol based sanitizers are actually MORE effective than traditional soap when used properly.  Just make sure that the sanitizer is alcohol based and meets the CDC requirement of 60% alcohol.  Use the following steps:

• Apply around 1/2 a teaspoon to your hand
• Cover all surfaces of your hand including all those listed above (don't forget your wrists, they are exposed just as much as your hand to viruses)

Now that swine flu is spreading, it is also a good idea to increase the frequency with which you wash your hands.  Do it before you eat, after you go to the bathroom, after you've been near sick people, after going to public places.  It would also be a good idea to avoid hand to mouth contact if you haven't washed your hand just prior to it. 

If you follow all of the above advice, you should be able to stay safe and healthy and most importantly, free from swine flu. 

If any one has recommendations for the site, please let me know in the comments section.  Due to the nature of pandemic, I'm trying to put as much information up here as quickly as possible so people can have a good resource to turn to for the lastest advice and developments relating to swine flu.  I'd love to hear what you'd like to know.  Thanks!  

Swine Flu Treatment

According to Mexican officials, swine flu has been transmitted through human-to-human contact, so it is no longer a disease that can be avoided by staying away from pigs.  The most important thing is to take all the precautions necessary for preventing transmission in order to protect yourself from this harmful and potentially deadly pandemic.  

As I've already written, the options for swine flu treatment at the moment are limited and that is why PREVENTION is by far the most effective way to protect yourself at this moment.  If you turn on the news at the moment you may see people in Mexico City wearing surgical masks. That is because the flu can be transmitted through coughing, sneezing, hands, and even smoke exhalation.   

Humans DO NOT have natural immunity to the Swine Flu.  This virus is a new strain and CANNOT be dealt with in the same way as the seasonal flu.  Make sure to go to a doctor or call the Department of Health's Hotline (800-808-1987) for more information before you proceed to do anything.

Below are the best things you can do to prevent yourself from becoming infected with swine flu (H1N1):

1. The MOST important thing to do to prevent swine flu infection is to WASH YOUR HANDS as often as possible.  When I used to work in a restaurant, they always said that in order to effectively wash your hands you need to be able to sing happy birthday twice through in your head before you are finished.  And remember, SOAP IS NOT AN OPTION.  (I'll be writing more about handwashing later)
   
2. If there is an outbreak in your city or area, make sure to avoid places where people tend to gather.  In Mexico city they have shut down schools, business, and public events.  It is in your best interest to stay away from public areas, particularly those areas where large amounts of people are coming from outside (airports, train stations, bus stations, etc.).
3. It is good to have Tamiflu or Relenza but there is possibility that these will not be effective in treating the disease.
4. You've probably seen people wearing masks in the news.  Make sure to buy some surgical masks for you and your children/friends/relatives.  Have extra supplies of them and make sure to wear them at all times when in public.  However, regular paper masks are INEFFECTIVE AT PREVENTING UNINFECTED INDIVIDUALS FROM THE VIRUS.  The masks are meant to prevent infected individuals from spreading the disease.  You will want to get N95 disposable respirators (click this link for a list of respirators approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health)

These are the primary methods of preventing swine flu (and any type of flu).  If you are in an at risk area, please take the above precautions and BE SAFE!