Swine Flu

Swine Flu is also known as H1N1. I know that H1N1 can spread like Sars. H1N1 can be spreaded from one person to another if the person breathe in the air or touch the saliva let out by the infected person. Now, our goverment, MOH (Ministry of Health) is encouraging all Singaporeans to excercise caution in travelling, especially if they are travelling to countries affected by H1N1.

The first case of H1N1 started in Latin America, Mexico. As of 4 May 2009, there are 590 confirmed cases of Influenza A (H1N1-2009) reported in Mexico (with 25 deaths), 226 in the United States (with 1 death), 85 in Canada, 40 in Spain, 15 in United Kingdom, 8 in Germany, 4 in New Zealand, 3 in Israel, 1 in Austria, 1 in the Netherlands, 1 in Denmark, 2 in El Salvador, 1 in Switzerland, 2 in France, 1 in Ireland, 1 in Italy, 1 in Costa Rica, 1 in Columbia, 1 in Hong Kong and 1 in the Republic of Korea. (source: Channel News Asia website)
So far, we are very fortunate that there is no person found with H1N1 in Singapore yet. However, we must not take for granted what we have will always be. We must continue to practise good personal hygiene and be a responsible citizen.

Here is the list of good personal hygienic habits:-
▪ Washing your hands regularly and thoroughly with soap and water, especially before touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
▪ Turning quickly away from anyone near you if you are about to cough or sneeze, and do not cough or sneeze at him.
▪ Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Dispose of the tissue properly in the dust bin after use.
▪ Avoiding crowded places if you are unwell and wear a surgical mask to cover your nose and mouth.
▪ Staying home from work or school when you are sick.
▪ Using a serving spoon when sharing food at meal times.
▪ Seeing your family doctor if you are feeling unwell.
(source: MOH website http://www.moh.gov.sg/mohcorp/swineflu/default.aspx)

Last but not least, we have to live a healthy lifestyle so that we will not fall sick easily.

I hope schools and public facilities in Singapore will not close down because of H1N1. I wish Singapore will not be affected by this deadly virus. I will feel very sad if Singapore is infected by H1N1 because people may die due to the deadly virus. Let's all play a part to keep Singapore safe from H1N1.