Swine flu cameras' arrive

View Larger Map

"I have ample assurance that swine flu is being handled wisely in this country. I believe we also have to do our own share by promoting health care and maintenance within our families. Everything just starts in our own homes."

Kuwait Times
Published Date: June 30, 2009

KUWAIT: The six thermal imaging cameras ordered by the Ministry of Health (MoH) for use at Kuwait's land and sea borders have been delivered. The cameras, which can detect high body temperature in travelers, a possible symptom of Swine Flu, are to be used to scan all those arriving at Kuwait International Airport, as well as at the land borders and ports. A MoH official said that five of the cameras were delivered to the ministry for distribution to the various locations where they will be used, while the sixth has been delivered to the Ministry of Defense for use at the military airbase.

Source:

Catholic archdiocese issues flu precautions

Image via Wikipedia

"I am surprised but pleased that this is imposed in the Catholic Church. I myself is wary when it comes to sanitization. Having two kids, good hygiene is imperative for their overall well-being."

By JOHN McPHEE Health Reporter
Tue. Jun 23 - 4:46 AM

The Catholic archdiocese in Halifax has spread the word about the H1N1 virus.

The archdiocese issued advisory guidelines to its parishes Monday on preventing the spread of the virus. For example, all ministers of communion are to use a hand sanitizer before distributing wafers and wine.

"Please note this is not a liturgical gesture but a discreet action," say the guidelines, which are posted on the archdiocese’s website. "Immediately after the distribution of communion, the ministers are to wash their hands."

The guidelines also discourage shaking hands during "sign of peace" exchanges among congregants before communion. People are encouraged to bow, smile or wave.

The guidelines were created after the archdiocese heard concerns from parishioners about the H1N1 outbreak, said Bob Britton, chancellor of the archdiocese, in an interview Monday.

See full story

Source:

Flu shots: Do healthy children need them?

"Parents may have the final say while discussing the matter with their child's pediatrician especially with the different health setting here in Kuwait."

Question: Do healthy children need flu shots?
Answer from Jay L. Hoecker, M.D.

Influenza (flu) is a common viral infection. Signs and symptoms may include muscle aches, fever, chills, fatigue and sore throat. For children, the flu can also cause diarrhea and seizures. In some cases, complications of the flu can be deadly. Yearly flu vaccines are the best way to protect children from the flu. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a yearly flu vaccine for all children ages 6 months to 18 years — ideally given in October or November, before the flu season begins.

The flu vaccine is available in two forms:

• A shot. Flu shots can be given to children age 6 months and older. Side effects may include soreness, redness or swelling at the injection site, low-grade fever and muscle aches.

• A nasal spray. The nasal spray flu vaccine (FluMist) can be given to children age 2 years and older. Side effects may include runny nose, wheezing and headache.

Whether you choose the flu shot or nasal spray, keep in mind that children age 8 and younger who are receiving the flu vaccine for the first time need two doses given at least four weeks apart. One dose is adequate for children age 9 and older and those who've been vaccinated before.

Consult your child's doctor if you wonder which type of flu vaccine would be best for your child. Also check with your child's doctor if your child has any medical conditions or experienced a severe reaction to a previous flu vaccine.

Source:

Related articles by Zemanta

• CDC eyes 600 million doses of swine flu shots (msnbc.msn.com)
• Learn about The Flu Vaccine FluMist (5min.com)
• Vaccine Maker Facing Possible Bankruptcy Wins Contract (nytimes.com)

Hospitalization Rates Higher in Kids Who Get Flu Shots

Image by pit van meeffe via Flickr

"Maybe lets take a second look at this."

By Natural-Life.ca | June 24th, 2009
From MSN / HealthDay:

Children who get the annual flu vaccine, especially those who have asthma, may be more likely to be hospitalized than children who don’t get the shot, a new study shows.

But the researcher noted that the surprise finding probably has more to do with the severity of the underlying illness in children receiving the vaccine than with any deficiency in the vaccine.

“This may not be a reflection of the vaccine but that these patients are the sickest, and their doctors insist they get a vaccination,” said study author Dr. Avni Y. Joshi, a fellow at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. She is to present her findings Tuesday at the American Thoracic Society’s annual meeting, in San Diego.

See full story

Source:

Related articles by Zemanta

• Hospitalization Rates Higher in Kids Who Get Flu Shots (nlm.nih.gov)

**HOW TO PREVENT AND PREPARE FOR SWINE FLU

Image via Wikipedia

"Take a look. These are the essential guidelines."

SYMPTOMS OF SWINE FLU:

What is currently referred to in the media as the "swine flu" is a respiratory disease with symptoms similar to that of the familiar seasonal flu. While originally thought to originate with pigs, it has not been isolated in swine. The official name for the "swine flu" we face is A(H1N1). As of June 16, 2009, this flu outbreak is classified as a global pandemic. The term "pandemic" is not bound to a certain number of cases, but defined by human-to-human transmission in three different countries in two different WHO regions.

In the event that this flu virus becomes a pandemic, everyday life may be disrupted because many people in many places might become seriously ill at the same time. Impacts can range from school and business closings to the interruption of basic services such as public transportation and food delivery. The following steps will help you prepare for the worst case scenario.


STEPS

PREVENTION:

1. Know what the signs of swine flu are in people. The symptoms look a lot like an ordinary flu and include fever (greater than 100°F or 37.8°C), cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. It is reported that diarrhea and vomiting can also be included with the symptoms of illness. There's no way to tell if you have the swine flu unless a respiratory specimen is taken within the first 4-5 days and sent to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (or equivalent).

2. Make sure you are in good health. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food. Consider taking a Vitamin C supplement. The healthier you are, the better your immune system will be at defending your body against a virus.

3. Practice good hygiene. If you sneeze, keep a disposable tissue in front of your mouth, after sneezing or blowing your nose throw the tissue away. Wash your hands often, especially if after blowing your nose/sneezing and before you eat. Use a disinfectant when possible or just use soap and water.

4. Don't share utensils or drinks. In cafeteria settings, it's not uncommon for people to casually share utensils or take a sip from someone else's drink. This should be completely avoided if there is any risk of a flu pandemic.

5. Wear a facemask or respirator as instructed by authorities. If used correctly, facemasks and respirators may help prevent some exposure to flu viruses. However, facemasks should be used along with other preventive measures, such as frequent hand washing.


PREPARATION:

If a pandemic flu virus spreads rapidly, being prepared to stay at home will help slow down the virus because you'll minimize your exposure (and other people's exposure to you, if you become sick).

1. Know what to expect.

• A vaccine for pandemic flu may not be available for 4-6 months after a pandemic starts, and even then, it may only be available in limited amounts.
• People will have little or no immunity to pandemic flu since it is a new virus to humans. With seasonal flu, people have some immunity built up from previous exposure to the virus.
• Symptoms of pandemic flu may be more severe than seasonal flu. More people are likely to die from pandemic flu than seasonal flu.
• If you got a swine flu vaccine in the '70s, don't expect it to protect you from this new strain.
  

2. Stock up. Store nonperishable foods, bottled water, over-the-counter drugs, health supplies and other necessities. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recommends having a 2-week supply. (These supplies can be useful in other types of emergencies, such as power outages.) Have basic, over-the-counter health supplies such as a thermometer, facemasks, tissues, soap, hand sanitizers, medicine to relieve fever, and cold medicine.

3. Plan ahead. Plan for what you will do in the following cases:

• Schools dismissed: Consider childcare needs. Plan home learning activities and exercises. Have materials, such as books on hand. Also plan recreational activities that your children can do at home.

o As for students, take valuable items from lockers, such as iPods and textbooks- if school is closed, you wouldn't want such items left behind.

• You or family member becomes sick and requires care: Make plans for how to care for people with special needs in case the services they rely on are not available. Plan to stay home for at least 10 days when you are sick with pandemic flu. Staying home will keep you from infecting others. Make sure others in your household also stay home when they are sick. During a severe pandemic, stay home if someone in your household is sick with pandemic flu.
• Transportation networks disrupted. Think about how you can rely less on public transportation during a pandemic. For example, store food and other essential supplies to reduce shopping trips. Prepare backup plans for taking care of loved ones who are far away. Consider other ways to get to work, or if you can, work at home .

4. Talk to your employer. Ask your employer about how business will continue during a pandemic. The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services offers a Business Pandemic Influenza Planning Checklist; or you can Develop a Risk Management Plan that accounts for the possibility of a flu pandemic. Find out if you can work from home, or if your employer will consider virtualizing the workforce. Plan for the possible reduction or loss of income if you are unable to work or your place of employment is closed. Check with your employer or union about leave policies.

5. Stay updated. Identify sources you can count on for reliable information. If a pandemic occurs, having accurate and reliable information will be critical.

• Reliable, accurate, and timely information is available at PandemicFlu.gov and World Health Organization swine flu page.
• Telephone sources include the US Centers fir Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Hotline at: 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636). This line is available in English and Spanish, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. TTY: 1-888-232-6348. If you do not live in the U.S., check if there is an equivalent hotline in your area.
• Look for information on your local and state government Web sites. Review your state's planning efforts and those of your local public health and emergency preparedness officials.
• Listen to local and national radio, watch news reports on television, and read your newspaper and other sources of printed and Web-based information.
  

IF YOU CONTRACT THIS FLU:

1. In most cases flu patients should stay home. Do not go to the hospital or doctor, or else you might spread the virus to other patients.

o On the other hand do seek emergency care as quickly as possible if the infected person is:

• Exceptionally ill with flu-like symptoms
• Chronically ill
• Immune-suppressed
• Elderly
• A very young child, under age 2

2. Call your doctor first. Explain that you think you might have the swine flu, and follow any instructions. Read the US CDC guidelines on care.

3. Get plenty of rest. Wait it out, the flu should pass in about 10 days.

4. Be aware of life-threatening complications which might develop. If you get any of these you should get emergency medical care.


Emergency warning signs in adults are:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting
  

Emergency warning signs in children are:

• Fast breathing or trouble breathing
• Bluish skin color
• Not drinking enough fluids
• Not waking up or interacting
• Being very irritable
• Fever with rash

Dr Joseph Bresee, of the US Center for Disease Control Influenza Division discusses swine flu.

TIPS:

• Avoid traveling to an affected area. People who have recently visited Mexico, California or Texas and are experiencing influenza-like symptoms, or have been in contact with sick persons from these areas, should contact their health care provider. Be sure to specify that you recently traveled.
• Note that swine flu is transmitted from person-to-person, not from food
• Don't confuse swine flu with avian (bird) flu. Unlike avian flu, swine flu has proven to be highly contagious between humans.

WARNINGS:

• Don't panic. While it is prudent to be prepared, there is no need to overreact. For most people, basic precautions are all that is needed.
• The Centers for Disease Control estimates that, on average, over 36,000 Americans die each year from flu related causes. Keep in mind that so far the swine flu pales in comparison to the regular flu.

Source:

What Is Scope of Swine Flu?

"Are you getting worried? Just keep a close watch on the updates. Awareness brings focus and decreases fear. Keep a healthy body!"

Posted by MCT Team on Sunday, June 28, 2009

The World Health Organization has raised its alert level to 6. The WHO revealed that the influenza virus has the sustainability for human-to-human transmission and can cause community level outbreaks.

A similar outbreak known as bird flu was more risky than H1N1 virus. According to Professor Neil Ferguson of the World Health Organization, H1N1 is nothing when compared to other similar outbreaks such as SARS or the 1918 Spanish flu.

If the H1N1 outbreak disappears in the coming weeks, there might still be an outbreak of the virus in the autumn.

In case it is an epidemic, then 30% - 40% of the general population might become susceptible to infection.

New strain of H1N1 virus is something which people has natural immunity and has not received any vaccination yet making people susceptible infection and spread to other people.

H1N1 is still a subject of studies by major laboratories in the world. Once there is sufficient information about the virus, only then can it be possible to make improved predictions about individuals who are at higher risk and likely to have serious complications.

The outbreaks outside of Mexico have not resulted to deaths which is an indication that the virus is not that aggressive.

But it appears that it would cause an outbreak that would be felt all over the world and increase mortality rates.

The outbreak of H1N1 began in Mexico City and it has now spread in 30 countries.

Source:

Toll climbs as three new flu cases discovered in Kuwait

"No matter how much total cases we have in Kuwait, let's take it to heart to be wary. How, you might ask. It entirely depends on you. We have heard the old adage, "An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure." It still holds true."

KUWAIT CITY, June 26, (Agencies): Three Kuwaiti nationals that have returned home from abroad have been confirmed to be infected with the swine flu-causing A/H1N1 virus, bringing the total cases to 15, the Health Ministry announced on Friday. Ministry Spokesman Dr. Yousef Al-Nisif told KUNA that the lab tests confirmed that the three nationals carried the virus, adding that they had been referred to the Contagious Diseases Hospital and that those with whom they had come in contact with were also tested as a precautionary measure. Six treated cases have been discharged after full recovery, he noted. “There is no cause for concern, and the ministry has been keeping up with developments since the very beginning and thus placed an emergency plan to combat the pandemic,” he said. Al-Nisif noted that most of the infected persons around the world had recovered, and that a vaccine was anticipated to be out by the end of the year.

See full story

Source:

26 on June 26 - Kuwait

Image by Te55 via Flickr

Not to be a cause of alarm, Kuwait health authorities confirmed 26 cases of swine flu as of yesterday's news update. Wait... STOP!!! 26 cases on June 26?! My! I hope the number wouldn't increase to date too. If ever, (but never expecting it to increase), it would end on 30 or the 31st then I'm hopeful it stops there. I trust that when we all unite in following the right precautionary measures, then we'll all be spared. Just do it!

See the photo? If not, rub your eyes (of course with your clean bare hands, perhaps you just woke up and got excited to see my new posts) and try to take a second look. You see, it has a description that says, "Life is a glass of champagne with cherries. It's bubbly and sweet." Amidst the discouraging news on swine flu here in Kuwait and in other parts of the world, just think about that glass of champagne (yes, only think because alcohol is prohibited here in Kuwait). Visualize it exactly the way it was described. Positive thoughts turn positive actions.

"Life is a glass of champagne with cherries. It's bubbly and sweet."

Click on the news:

Beyond Swine Flu - Could Factory Farms Be the Cause of the Next Man-Made Pandemic?

Image via Wikipedia

"Now, put your thinking cap on on this."

Deirdre Imus
Posted: June 24, 2009 02:02 PM

As the hysteria surrounding the swine flu begins to subside, so do the unanswered questions about the origin of the disease. While a 24-hour news cycle incessantly tallies each and every victim, few networks have reported on the possible source of the outbreak.

In a scenario we see all too often whenever new viruses emerge, nearly every aspect of this outbreak is overly sensationalized. The same thing happened when several isolated cases of avian flu, Monkeypox, West Nile and SARS made daily headlines.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not minimizing the loss of life and agree it is important to monitor disease outbreaks regardless of size. But shouldn't these repetitive reports be kept in perspective, particularly in a country where good hygiene and medical care is available?

Ever since the swine flu scare became a "breaking news" story there has been very little coverage on the suspicion that its origin may be the byproduct of unregulated corporate greed, otherwise known as concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs), or factory farms.

For the most part, the mainstream media have been "missing in action" (again) on the swine flu/Smithfield connection. A few networks and newspapers have given the possible connection a brief mention, but for the most part, internet reporters are the ones putting together the pieces.

It was Tom Philpott, food editor for Grist, who first broke the story that the origin of the swine flu outbreak may be connected to a concentrated animal feeding operation owned by a subsidiary of Smithfield Foods.

See full story

Source:

Related articles by Zemanta

• Lawsuit Holds Smithfield Pig Farm Responsible For H1N1 Virus (takepart.com)
• Factory Farms and Swine Flu - Is There a Connection? (teambio.org)

Cabinet discusses precautions taken to combat swine flu virus

Image by khalid almasoud via Flickr

"Well, this news is quite a healthy measure regarding precautions in the country that has been up lately. Don't you think?"

KUWAIT CITY, June 22, (KUNA): The Cabinet, in its regular weekly session on Monday, discussed precautions taken to combat the A/H1N1 virus, as well as efforts to develop the country’s financial market. During the session, headed by His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, a briefing was made by Health Minister Hilal Musaed Al-Sayer on developments of the swine flu-causing A/H1N1 virus, after new cases were recently declared in Kuwait. The briefing also included all precautions taken in line with recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO), as well as the Health Ministry’s follow-up of cases under treatment and people they came in contact with.

The minister also highlighted measures that were taken to provide all requirements for laboratories in order to test samples and work around the clock, while noting the special operations room that was set up to respond to any queries about swine flu. Al-Sayer emphasized that full coordination was ongoing between the Contagious Diseases Hospital, the Emergency Medical Services Department and local hospitals over means to deal with infected people and how to admit and transfer cases. Cabinet members lauded the great efforts of the Health Ministry in dealing with swine flu and taking all necessary precautions to combat this disease in coordination with international organizations and other countries, to guarantee the safety of citizens.

Source:

**LET'S FACE IT SQUARELY - THE SWINE FLU SCARE

Whether it is by a quirk of fate or carelessness that individuals get infected by swine flu and with all the news and hearsay dominating around Kuwait, should anyone get scared? Uh-oh, I don't think so.

From my readings, swine flu has been controlled since last month after the recovery of infected 18 US soldiers who already left the country. It's good to learn that strict precautions have been enforced by the Health Ministry. Though there is yet no specific vaccine available for the new strain of influenza virus, flu shots are readily available.

So anyone, how should we deal with the swine flu scare in Kuwait? Here are some tips I believe are crucial to those concerned. In no particular order:

• Tip #1: For Pete's sake, rule out panic. It will make matters worst anyway. Find healthy ways to deal with it.

• Tip #2: Be a germ buster. Make it a point to avoid catching the so-called A-H1N1 virus. How? Proper hand washing should be done frequently especially after coughing or sneezing and when coming home from outdoors (I strictly instill this rule on my hubby especially when handling our kids after coming from work). Avoid contact with people manifesting flu-like signs and symptoms (fever, headache, chills, sore throat, cough, runny or stuffy nose, fatigue and body aches).

• Tip #3: Avoid spreading germs yourself by covering your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth because these are ways of spreading germs.

• Tip #4: When sick, pleeaaaase stay home and isolate. Well, only for awhile until you get better. For those working, call in sick quick.
  

• Tip #5: Be well-versed. Increase health awareness. Keep track of health advise from your local government.
  

• Tip #6: Comply to proper health care for you and your family. Or get a flu shot if you must.
  

• Tip #7: Stay well hydrated especially during hot dry summer season. Eat fruits and take Vitamin C and other essential vitamins and minerals as advised by your doctor.

The diagram below shows the proper technique in hand washing (a universal precaution) of at least 15 seconds, part and parcel in avoiding spread of A-H1N1 virus as well as other harmful microorganisms. It's plain simple, isn't it?

Related articles by Zemanta

• A quick tour of Kuwait (umarsiddiqi.com)
• 18 US soldiers with H1N1 flu leave Kuwait (beinghealthyhomeandaway.blogspot.com)
• The Origins of Swine Flu Revealed (findmeacure.com)
• WHO has Declared Swine Flu a Global Pandemic (medicineandtechnology.com)
• Swine Flu - why all the FEAR (gettheskinney.com)