SWINE FLU!

If you haven’t realised, we’re under attack by the H1N1 Virus! Just like how the robots in transformers combine and transform into BIGGER and STRONGER robots, SWINE Flu is a combination of pigs’ flu, human flu and the common flu. The virus have re-combined to form similarly, a BIGGER and STRONGER enemy of our immune systems.

Below are some FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS about the Virus and the situation in SINGAPORE : (look where u tread in future)

1. What is Swine Flu (Swine Influenza)?

Swine flu is a respiratory disease affecting pigs that is caused by type A influenzavirus. Swine influenza viruses may circulate among swine throughout the year, butmost outbreaks occur during the late fall and winter months similar to influenzaoutbreaks in humans. It causes high levels of illness but low death rates in pigs.

2. Does Swine Flu affect humans?

Swine flu viruses that cause disease in pigs very rarely affect humans. However,sporadic human infections with swine flu have occurred. Most commonly, thesecases occur in persons with direct exposure to pigs but there have also beendocumented cases of human-to-human spread of swine flu.

3. How does Swine Flu spread to humans?

Swine flu spreads to humans mainly through contact with infected pigs, which shedthe virus in their saliva, nasal secretions and faeces. Limited human-to-humantransmission can also occur in the same way as seasonal flu occurs in people.

4. Can people catch Swine Flu from eating pork?

There is currently no evidence to suggest that swine flu can be transmitted tohumans from eating pork or pork products that have been thoroughly cooked.

5. What are the symptoms of Swine Flu in humans?

The symptoms of swine flu in people are expected to be similar to the symptoms ofregular human seasonal influenza. An early symptom is high fever, and this isfollowed by cough, sore throat, runny nose, and sometimes breathlessness a fewdays later.

6. How can human infections with swine flu be diagnosed?

To diagnose swine flu, a respiratory specimen would generally need to be collectedwithin the first 4 to 5 days of illness (when an infected person is most likely to beshedding the virus). However, some persons, especially children may shed the virusfor 10 days or longer.

7. What medications are available to treat swine flu infection inhumans?

There are four different antiviral drugs that are licensed for use in Singapore for thetreatment of influenza: amantadine, rimantadine, oseltamivir and zanamivir. Whilemost swine flu viruses have been susceptible to all four drugs, the most recent swineflu viruses isolated from humans are resistant to amantadine and rimantadine. At thistime, the US CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir (Tamiflu®) or zanamivir(Relenza®) for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with swine flu viruses.

8. Are there any cases of Swine Flu in Singapore?

To date, there have been no human cases of swine flu detected in Singapore.

9. Is there any cause for alarm in Singapore?

No human swine flu cases have been reported in Singapore. MOH is monitoring thesituation closely and will update the public should the situation change.

10. What is MOH doing to ensure that the disease is nottransmitted here?

MOH maintains a comprehensive and well established disease surveillance systemfor the early detection of human cases of novel influenzas such as swine flu. Inaddition, MOH has sent a medical alert to all medical practitioners and staff inhospitals, national centres, private medical clinics and polyclinics to update them onthe outbreak of swine flu in the USA and Mexico and to advise them to be vigilant forany suspect cases. When the situation warrants, MOH will step up public healthmeasures e.g. quarantine of contacts, issue public health advisories, and work withother government agencies to screen visitors at our border checkpoints. Further,MOH has an influenza pandemic preparedness plan in response to a pandemicsituation.

11. Is it safe to visit countries with cases of Swine Flu and will Ibe quarantined when I return?

What travel precautions should I take?

There are currently no travel restrictions or quarantine advised by the World HealthOrganisation for swine flu. If you intend to travel to areas which have cases of swineflu (currently – Southern California and Texas in the United States; and Mexico,and Korea), youshould take note of the following measures to minimize your risk of acquiring swineflu:_ Avoid contact with persons with symptoms of influenza_ Avoid crowded areas and maintain good ventilation._ Observe good personal and environmental hygiene. Wash handsthoroughly with soap and water frequently and when they are contaminatedby respiratory secretions e.g. after sneezing._ Maintain good body resistance through a balanced diet, regularexercise, having adequate rest, reducing stress and not smoking.

12. What should I do if I suspect I have swine flu after returning toSingapore?

You should consult your doctor as soon as possible and inform your doctor if youhave symptoms of swine flu and had recently travelled to areas which have cases ofswine flu (currently – Southern California and Texas in the United States; andMexico).

13. What should I do if I fall ill overseas?

You should consult a local doctor as soon as possible and refrain from traveling untilyou are certified fit by the doctor.

14. Does influenza vaccination help in preventing Swine Flu?

Vaccines are available to be given to pigs to prevent swine influenza. There is novaccine to protect humans from swine flu. The seasonal influenza vaccine is unlikelyto protect against H1N1 swine flu viruses.

15. Is it safe to come into contact with live pigs in nature reservesand the wildlife reserves?

So far, there are no known cases of swine flu in Singapore. However, proper hygienepractices, such as washing of hands after contact with animals including pigs, shouldbe maintained.



All in all, lets hope that the situation would stabilise soon and control would be possible over the whole incident…

Meanwhile, take care of yourself and your close ones around you.

Remind each other to stay clean, fit and healthy!

Take Care!

God BLESS!

=)