Was The Swine Flu Scare Just A Hoax?

Statistics have told us the true story. There is a yawning gap between the numbers of predicted deaths due to swine flu vis-à-vis the actual numbers. 2009 witnessed WHO declaring swine flu as a ‘pandemic’ leading to pharmaceutical companies investing fortunes in developing vaccines to combat the disease.

However, in a recent report, a leading health care expert has stated that swine flu outbreak was a “false pandemic” driven by drug companies that stood to make billions of pounds from a worldwide scare. Dr. Wolfgang Wodarg, head of health at the Council of Europe, has said that this false alarm has led to pharmaceutical firms ensuring “enormous gains”, with countries squandering their health budgets on vaccinating millions against what was actually a mild disease.

The Council of Europe, the Strasbourg-based “senate” responsible for the European Court of Human Rights, has passed a resolution proposed by Dr. Wodarg, which calls for an investigation into the role of drug firms in this entire episode, who he believes have pressured WHO into declaring a global pandemic.

In a startling revelation, Documents acquired through the Danish Freedom of Information Act revealed that Professor Juhani Eskola – a Finnish member of the WHO board on vaccines called the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) – received almost 6.3 million Euros in 2009 for his vaccine research programme from the vaccine manufacturers GlaxoSmithKline. Furthermore, Danish journalists reported that six other members of ‘Strategic Advisory Group of Experts’ (SAGE) with financial ties to various pharmaceutical companies. Many of the pharmaceutical companies with which the vaccine board members had ties, are also the manufacturers of vaccines including the H1N1 vaccine like GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), Novartis, Solvay, Baxter, MedImmune and Sanofi Aventis.

The drug company GlaxoSmithKline responded to Wodarg’s allegations. “Allegations of undue influence are misguided and unfounded. The WHO declared that H1N1 swine flu met the criteria for a pandemic. Responding to it has required unprecedented collaboration. As WHO have stated, legal regulations and numerous safeguards are in place to manage possible conflicts of interest,” it stated.

According to Dr. Wodarg, the fear that began with the avian flu virus caused governments to stockpile anti-flu drugs and put in place ‘sleeping contracts’ for millions of doses of vaccine. Dr Wodarg said: “The governments have sealed contracts with vaccine producers where they secure orders in advance and take upon themselves almost all the responsibility. In this way the producers of vaccines are sure of enormous gains without having any financial risks. So they just wait, until WHO says ‘pandemic’ and activate the contracts.” He also believes that these anti0viral drug manufacturers placed people in the cogs of the WHO and coaxed the organisation to soften its definition of a pandemic, thereby declaring swine flu a global pandemic. He further said: “We have had a mild flu – and a false pandemic.”

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H1N1 vaccine optional: Health Ministry

Health Ministry affirmed here yesterday that the H1N1 vaccine was optional not mandatory. Dr. Ibrahim Abdulhadi, Undersecretary at the Ministry, told KUNA that news in the media about the mandatory vaccine was not true, stressing that the situation did not require such measures to be implemented. Kuwait witnessed around 8,644 cases of the H1N1 (commonly known as the swine flue) since last April with most cases recovering from the disease.

Ministry of Health announced on Thursday that around 22 cases of swine flu H1N1 were reported this week, a drop in the number of cases in comparison to the past months.

Thus, the total number of A(H1N1) cases in Kuwait has reached 8,644 since the outbreak of the virus in the country last April, the ministry's spokesman, Qais Al-Duweiri, said.

He added, the ministry follows the World Health Organization WHO's regulations, calling upon citizens to commit to precautionary guidelines to curb the spread of the disease.

Children under the age of five, pregnant women and those over the age of 65 years are more vulnerable to the disease, in addition to those with chronic illnesses and low immune systems.

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Hajj wraps; ‘No hugging, kissing’

Image by Elias Pirasteh via Flickr

KUWAIT CITY, Nov 29: No hugging or kissing for pilgrims coming back home from Hajj in order to steer clear from contracting potential contagious diseases, the Kuwaiti Hajj Mission urged families of pilgrims Sunday. Out of concern over everyone’s health, and in precaution against A (H1N1) or swine flu, the mission, in a statement, urged pilgrims to seek medical advice should they encounter flu-like symptoms, such as high temperature or breathing problems. It also stressed on constant washing of hands with soap for pilgrims and not to mingle with others for at least a day after arrival. Groups most vulnerable for the diseases are children under five years and adults over 65, pregnant women, and those suffering from chronic diseases.

The annual Muslim hajj pilgrimage to Makkah wound up on Sunday without the feared mass outbreak of swine flu, Saudi authorities said, reporting a total of five deaths and 73 proven cases. Five pilgrims died from the A(H1N1) flu virus during the hajj, Health Minister Abdullah al-Rabeeah said, as around 2.3 million pilgrims began an exodus from Makkah, the home in western Saudi Arabia of Islam’s holiest site. Rabeeah said there had been no other serious health problems. “It gives me pleasure to announce ... that the hajj of 2009 was free from any outbreak of disease or epidemic,” the minister said, quoted by the official Saudi news agency SPA. Working with international health authorities, Saudi Arabia mounted a concerted campaign to minimise the threat and mobilised 20,000 health workers for the hajj.

Countries were warned not to send children, the elderly or those with existing medical conditions on the annual pilgrimage. Also, vaccines were rushed to health workers when they became available at the start of November and heat-sensing cameras were set up at airports and around the main hajj sites to detect anyone with a feverish body temperature. The dead were four elderly pilgrims, all over 70, from India, Morocco, Pakistan and Sudan, and a 17-year-old Nigerian woman. All of them had other ailments, including heart disease and cancer, which left them more vulnerable to swine flu, health officials said. The world’s largest annual pilgrimage went off nearly trouble-free, Saudi officials said, compared to previous years when the hajj was marred by deadly stampedes and clashes with Iranian pilgrims.

The massive crowds of pilgrims were also able to move about easily, thanks in part to a huge five-storey walkway designed to avoid crushes at the jamarat pillars in Mina, where pilgrims undertake the ritual of stoning the devil. The site was the scene of several panics in past years that left hundreds dead. Worries over a possible contentious political protest by Iranians also came to nought. Ahead of the hajj, Saudi authorities warned against political activity, but they did not interfere on Thursday when Iranian pilgrims chanted “Death to America and Israel” in a ritual-like action inside a large tent in Mina.

As pilgrims began their mass exodus from Makkah, there was concern for those leaving from the coastal hub of Jeddah where a downpour on Wednesday that sparked deadly flash floods has killed more than 100 people. Roads and bridges in some part of Jeddah — the main gateway to Makkah — were swept away by the floods. More than a million of the pilgrims are expected to depart through Jeddah’s airport and seaport, but roads are still not completely clear in the city. Millions of Muslim pilgrims were pelting stone walls representing the devil before a final trip back to Islam’s holiest site on the closing day of the annual hajj.

Around 3 million pilgrims were casting pebbles Sunday at three walls in the desert valley of Mina in a symbolic rejection of Satan’s temptation for a third consecutive day. The faithful will then head back to Makkah for a final journey — known as the Farewell Circulation — around the Kaaba, Islam’s most sacred site. The stoning of the devil ritual, performed on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, is when the crowds of pilgrims at the five-day hajj are at their height and contact between them is closest. Under a hot sun Saturday, hundreds of thousands of sweaty bodies pressed against each other toward the stoning walls. The majority did not wear masks, and many sneezed, coughed and spat and looked visibly exhausted.

Other parts of the hajj — such as the circling of the Kaaba shrine in Makkah — see a lot of physical contact and close quarters, but perhaps not as much as the rites at Mina, in a desert valley outside Makkah. The epic crowds squeeze together along ramps and platforms that control traffic around the walls. They push past each other to hurl their pebbles at each wall, often shouting curses at Satan and rejecting his temptations. “This is when the crowding is at its peak and this is where the spreading is likely to take place,” said Hassan el-Bushra, an epidemiologist at the Cairo office of the World Health Organization. “All the hajjis (pilgrims) are in a very limited physical location.” Like many here, Mikail Ocasio, a 28-year-old pilgrim from Maryland, dismissed the swine flu worries. “No disease was going to stop me from making my hajj,” he said. “Allah made the call to me and made it available and nothing is going to stop me.” Mina has long been the most dangerous of hajj rituals because the same overwhelming crowds raise the risk of deadly crushes and trampling.

In 2006, more than 360 pilgrims were killed when a piece of dropped luggage in a moving crowd caused a pile-up. Since then, Saudi authorities expanded the giant ramp around the walls to five stories, spreading out the masses over different levels to prevent jams. American and Saudi health officials circulated among the sprawling tent camp at Mina where the pilgrims live and gave the faithful cheek swabs for testing later. Health authorities hung posters of correct hand washing, and hand sanitizer dispensers were placed on walls in the camps, near public bathrooms and at ritual sites. Pilgrims arriving at Saudi airports were also scanned using a thermal camera and were offered a free vaccine.

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Preventive measures ease problem; Proper steps to tackle swine flu

Image by Getty Images via Daylife

"I have discussed measures in dealing with swine flu in my previous posts. Here's to update you. Read on carefully.."

THE 2009 H1N1 influenza is caused by a new strain of influenza virus. This virus was originally called “swine flu” because laboratory testing showed that many genes in the virus were similar to the virus found in the North American pigs. But further testing showed it is a new virus which also has two genes from the virus found in European and Asian pigs, avian (bird) and human genes. It is therefore a ‘quadruple reassortant’ virus.

It is recognized as a pandemic, meaning it has spread to many countries in many different parts of the world. The incidence in Kuwait seems to be on the rise as higher numbers of confirmed cases are being reported. Like other flu viruses, H1N1 spreads from person to person through droplet infection which occurs on coughing, sneezing, and touching nose or mouth after touching contaminated objects. The virus can survive up to 2 to 8 hours on a contaminated object.

Symptoms of H1N1 usually include two or more of fever (38 C or more), sore throat, cough, sneezing, headache, body pain, chills, tiredness and sometimes diarrhea and vomiting. Some have respiratory symptoms without fever. It is to be noted that one does not get the infection by eating properly handled pork or pork products.

Since the 2009 H1N1 is a new flu virus and very different from seasonal flu viruses, all children and most adults do not have immunity to it and can get infected. Most people feel better within a week. But some get pneumonia or other serious complications.

Those who have a weak immune system or are on medicines like steroids that suppress immunity, pregnant women, children below the age of 4 years, people with diseases like diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, cancer, blood diseases, asthma and COPD (mainly in chronic smokers), neurological and neuromuscular diseases have a higher risk of catching the infection and complications. People above 65 years are less likely to be infected by H1N1 but become more sick if they catch the infection. Children and teenagers who are on continuous aspirin therapy have higher chance of complications. Those who are very sick or have high risk of complications may have to be hospitalized and some of the seriously affected may die.

What is to be done if you catch ‘flu’.

H1N1 and seasonal flu have the same symptoms initially and it is difficult to differentiate between the two without special tests. Remain calm as the vast majority of those infected recover without any complication. It is important to follow certain steps for quick recovery and to prevent infection of others.

1. Stay home if possible till you have recovered from fever. If this is not possible wear a mask when in contact with other people. The droplet infection can reach people who are up to 6 feet away from you. Practice good hygiene; cover nose and mouth with tissue while coughing or sneezing and dispose the tissue in the waste bin, wash hands with soap for 20 to 30 seconds before shaking hands with others, avoid kissing as greeting, do not share cups and utensils without washing etc.

2. Antibiotics have no effect on the virus. Many people including some health care workers feel antibiotics are required for all sore throats. Unless there is a secondary bacterial infection avoid use of antibiotics. It is not advisable to use antibiotics in the hope of preventing a bacterial infection. One can use an antiseptic or salt water gargle, paracetamol, antihistamines or simple cough syrups as required for relief. Antibiotics are required if there is a bacterial infection. Let your doctor, supported by appropriate tests, decide on that.

3. People with good immunity recover faster and have less complications. Some of the ways to boost your immunity are
a) Eat wholesome healthy food with plenty of fruits and vegetables and avoid junk foods.
b) Drink plenty of warm fluids. Soups and green tea are good.
c) Take adequate rest and sleep.
c) Use of food supplements and herbs like Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Selenium, Zinc, Omega 3 fatty acids, Turmeric, Garlic, Ginger, Echinacea , Aloe Vera and bioflavonoids may help. Please check with your doctor if you are on medications.

4. Anti-viral medicines: The antiviral medicine commonly available in Kuwait is Oseltamir ( Tamiflu and generics). Most healthy people except the ones at high risk for complications recover and do not require antiviral medicine. Anti-virals are advisable in the very sick and who are at a higher risk of complication. To be most effective the medicine has to be started within 2 days of getting the infection and should be continued for 5 days. Some people recommend taking the medicine for those who had a close contact with infected people to prevent the infection. This, in our personal opinion, is not advisable as these medicines are effective only as long as they are taken and has to be taken for 10 days to prevent an infection. In the usual circumstances in Kuwait a person might have multiple exposures and a course of medication is required each time and these medicines are not without side effects. A better option would be that people who are at high risk of complication should keep a course of Oseltamir with them and should take the medicine for 5 days starting on the first day of symptoms. Please follow your physician’s advice on this.

Medicines for relief of fever and related symptoms: Paracetamol is the best choice. Aspirin should be avoided in children and adolescents as there is a risk of Reye’s syndrome.
Emergency warning signs to seek urgent medical care

In children:
Fast breathing or troubled breathing
Bluish skin color
Not drinking enough fluids
Not waking up or not interacting
Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and a worse cough
Fever with a rash

In adults:
Breathing difficulty or shortness of breath
Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
Sudden dizziness
Confusion
Severe or persistent vomiting

How can we protect ourselves from getting the infection?
* Try to avoid close contact with sick people. Wear a protective mask when one has to get closer than 6 feet to a possibly infected person.
* Cover nose and mouth with a tissue or kerchief while coughing or sneezing. Throw the tissue in the trash after using it. Do not cough or sneeze into the hands.
* After touching contaminated objects, coughing or sneezing wash hands under warm running water, scrub with soap for 20 to 30 seconds, rinse thoroughly. Dry hands with a paper towel and use the paper towel to turn off the tap. Alcohol-based hand cleaners can be used when washing is not possible.
* Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth after shaking hands or touching objects which may be contaminated. Avoid kissing an infected person. Germs spread this way.
* All those who have symptoms of flu should stay away from school or work.
* Practice healthy nutrition and healthy habits.

Influenza virus is destroyed by heat at 75-100ºC. Several chemical germicides like chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, detergents (soap), iodine-based antiseptics and alcohols are also effective.
Linens, eating utensils, and dishes belonging to those who are sick need not be cleaned separately, but it is important that these items should not be shared without washing thoroughly first.

Tap water that has been treated by conventional disinfection processes is not likely to transmit the viruses. H1N1 virus is unlikely to spread through water in swimming pools, spas, water parks, interactive fountains, and other treated recreational water venues as the recommended free chlorine levels 1-3 parts per million for pools and 2-5 ppm for spas are believed to be adequate to kill the virus.

Vaccination: Vaccination is considered to be the best way to protect against the virus.

There are two types of vaccines.
* Inactivated vaccine containing killed virus which is given as injection
* Live attenuated (live, weakened) virus vaccine as nasal spray.

About 2 weeks after vaccination the protective antibodies will develop in the body.
Depending on the availability of the vaccine, priority may be given to
* pregnant women,
* those who live with or provide care for infants aged <6 months (e.g., parents, siblings, and daycare providers),
* health-care and emergency medical services personnel,
* those aged 6 months-24 years with higher priority for children aged 6 months—4 years, children and adolescents aged 5-18 years with medical conditions which increase the risk for flu complications.
* those aged 25-64 years who have such medical conditions.

This is to be followed by vaccination of all in the 25-64 age group when available.
People who should not be vaccinated without the doctor’s recommendation.
* People who have a severe allergy to chicken eggs.
* People who have had a severe reaction to an influenza vaccination.
* People who developed Guillian- Barre Syndrome within 6 weeks of getting an influenza vaccine previously.

Influenza vaccine is not approved in children less than 6 months. People with moderate-to-severe fever should wait until they recover to get vaccinated.
Vaccine Side Effects to be expected

The flu injection: The viruses are killed (inactivated), so one cannot get the flu from it.
Some minor side effects that may occur are:
Soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site, mild fever and body pain.
The symptoms are usually mild and last 1 to 2 days. Very rarely flu vaccination can cause serious problems, such as severe allergic reactions.

The nasal spray: This contains weakened viruses which may cause mild symptoms like running nose ,sore throat, cough or wheezing, headache, muscle aches, vomiting and fever.
One should follow the guidelines from the Kuwait Governmental authorities regarding vaccination.

In conclusion, H1N1 influenza is likely to be with us for several months and with adequate preventive measures and proper care, it is not as much a problem as many fear.

Please note: The above article has been compiled from a number of sources for the benefit of the community.

By Dr Daisy Noble and Dr Noble Zachariah

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25th swine flu death in Kuwait

"It's been awhile but I'm back and the news brought shivers to my spine. Since my last post, swine flu death toll now rose to 25th. Whoa!Keep on with your good health measures people."

KUWAIT, Nov 9, (Agencies): A woman infected with the H1N1 virus has passed away bringing total number of swine flu fatalities in Kuwait to 25, the Health Ministry announced on Monday. Spokesman of the ministry, Qais Al-Duwairi, said in a statement to KUNA that the deceased had suffered from diabetes, cardiac illnesses and high blood pressure. The dead patient had been treated with drugs and antibiotics but her condition remained unstable till she succumbed to her illnesses late last night, the spokesman said. Her demise brought the death toll of swine flu fatalities in the country to 25. Up to 99 percent of recorded swine flu cases had recovered.

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Seventh death in Kuwait

"I regret to hear about this. Yet still I'm hoping for a positive outcome. Even without the swine flu, everyone ought to pay full attention on good and proper hygiene measures. For those who are susceptible, they need it tenfold. "

Kuwait’s Ministry of Health announced the seventh death caused by swine flu, of a man aged 70 years old, who suffered from diabetes, high-blood pressure, deficiencies in the coronary artery, as well as other heart problems.

Ministry of Health spokesperson Qais Al-Diwairi told KUNA that the fatality was a severe medical case, with many complications and high fever. Although he was treated with antibiotics, he did not respond to them and died.

The ministry expressed regret for the man’s death and offered condolences to his family. The recovery rate from swine flu cases in the country has reached 99 percent, and the percentage of cases and deaths registered in Kuwait regarding this disease is considered among the lowest internationally.

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How to Recognize Swine Flu Symptoms in Your Baby or Young Child

"If you have a little child or baby, you may wonder how you can tell symptoms of swine flu. Here's how."

By Write Now
The Swine Flu has taken hold here in the United States, and the Swine Flu epidemic is now traveling Worldwide. Children are at the highest risk of mortality if affected with the Swine Flu. Symptoms may be difficult to recognize, but it is crucial that you are aware of signs of the Swine Flu in order to increase the likelihood of a positive outcome if your child is infected with the virus. If your child is unable to speak, it may be hard to recognize symptoms of Swine Flu infection. This flu virus is most dangerous in the weakest of individuals including young children. There are some indicators you can look for to ensure that you recognize Swine Flu symptoms that require emergency care in your baby or young child before it is too late.

Step 1
Flu Symptoms
If your child has any flu-like symptoms, it may be the Swine flu. The symptoms of this virus are like many others. Monitor their symptoms and look for a high fever over 101 degrees following a cold. Worsening cough is also a sign of Swine Flu. If you are treating your child for flu, and their cough worsens, it is a symptom of the virus.

Step 2
Look for a Rash
Look for a rash that accompanies the fever. This is an indication of Swine Flu infection. The child may also have a blue color to their skin. This indicates a lack of oxygen and requires immediate emergency care.

Step 3
Stops Drinking
If your child quits drinking fluids do not hesitate to rush them to the emergency room. Dehydration is a killer for young children. In addition, if they have explosive diarrhea or vomiting you should seek immediate emergency treatment.

Step 4
Breathing Problems
If they appear to be breathing quickly or having any shortness of breath, get them help quickly. The faster you get emergency help in this situation, the more likely they will suffer no adverse affects.

Step 5
Body Aches
If they act as if they are in pain when you hold them, or try to wriggle away because they appear uncomfortable, it could indicate severe body pain. Get them to a treatment facility immediately. This is an indication of a Swine Flu virus infection.

Step 6
Flat Affect
If they are not maintaining eye contact, or appear flat in affectation this is a warning sign of severe viral infection. Get to an emergency facility.

Step 7
Will Not Wake Up
Finally, if you are unable to wake your child, call an ambulance immediately. Do not hesitate in this situation. Swine Flu is a deadly virus and can be treated with antiviral medications such as Tamiflu so getting your child treated immediately can save your child's life. The Swine Flu epidemic is likely to get worse before it gets better and it is important to be aware of symptoms of the virus that may require emergency care.

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Kuwait records 6th swine flu death

"Now, another one on 6th."

September 14, 2009
KUWAIT: Minister of Health Dr Hilal Al-Sayer announced the sixth H1N1 (swine flu virus) death in Kuwait. The deceased is a Kuwaiti woman in her fifties who was suffering from kidney failure, heart disease and other chronic diseases. She had been hospitalized for five days.

The Ministry of Health will hold regular press conferences every three weeks with the media to keep it updated, officials said. "We will provide the media with the latest news about the H1N1 virus through regular meetings with the media," said Dr Hilal Al-Sayer during the press conference yesterday.

The conference was attended by the Minister of Education and the undersecretaries and assisting undersecretaries from both ministries. The regulations and instructions made by the World Health Organization (WHO) regarding the closure of schools are not random.

The WHO gave the choice to each country to decide its own regulations of closing its schools according to its local circumstances and in the case that one percent of its population was infected. I assure you that Kuwait will never reach this stage of the disease. It is not true that there are 30 or 40,000 H1N1 infected persons in Kuwait. Kuwait will apply the recommendations of the health, education, and university experts meeting that will be held as well," Al-Sayer further said.

Meanwhile, news spread about the increased price of a vaccine. "I care most about protecting the country from the H1N1 virus and not the price of the vaccine. Also, no vaccine will be imported to the country unless it was approved by the WHO," he pointed out. According to the Minister of Education, Dr Moudhi Al-Humoud, there are three H1N1 infected cases in private schools, of which two were cured already.

The third is now receiving treatment. "About 120 school clinics were divided into the different education areas. There will be 20 clinics in each educational area in cooperation with the Ministry of Health," said Al-Humoud. The Ministry of Education increased it efforts due to the emergency situation of the H1N1 virus.

We must follow procedures to decrease the danger of this disease, including the meetings with the Ministry of Health. Based on the recommendation of the Ministry of Health and the WHO about the danger of this disease on the life of students who are under 5-years-old and who have weak immune systems and the handicapped, the Ministry of Education issued a decision previously to delay the school year for the kindergarten and the schools with special needs in both the private and public sectors, but it has no
t been applied yet.

In addition, awareness instructions were given to the teachers for such situations," Al-Homoud concluded. Regarding the news about the need for two vaccines to cure the H1N1 virus, the spokesman of the Ministry of Health, Faisal Al-Dosary, told the Kuwait Times that it was not true. "Only one vaccine is enough. According to all the research conducted, one vaccine will cover 96 percent of the disease," he stated.

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Preparing for the Flu

"Look what I found. If you are a regular listener of Linda from 99.7 RK FM, she has the CDC toolkit for everyone to download. Visit her website. Remarkably, it is very informative."

28 August 2009
A Communication Toolkit for Schools (Grades K-12)
Download the full article ( PDF File) here

The purpose of “Preparing for the Flu: A Communication Toolkit for Schools” is to provide basic information and communication resources to help school administrators implement recommendations from CDC’s Guidance for State and Local Public Health Officials and School Administrators for School (K-12) Responses to Influenza during the 2009-2010 School Year.

The toolkit includes:

* Questions and Answers about CDC’s Guidance for State and Local Public Health Officials and School Administrators for School (K-12) Responses to Influenza during the 2009-2010 School Year
* 2 Fact Sheets to Inform Schools and Teachers
* Action Steps for Schools to Prevent the Spread of Flu
* Action Steps for Teachers to Prevent the Spread of Flu
* 3 Fact Sheets to Inform Parents
* Action Steps for Parents if School is Dismissed or Children are Sick and Must Stay Home
* Action Steps for Parents to Protect Your Child and Family from the Flu this School Year
* Action Steps for Parents of Children at High Risk for Flu Complications
* Information on Where to Find Posters for Schools about Flu Prevention
* 2 Template Letters (or E-mails) for Schools to Send to Parents
* Steps the School is Taking During Current Flu Conditions
* Steps the School is Taking During More Severe Flu Conditions

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Teachers to undergo training on swine flu prevention

"Training teachers is quite impressive. Hoping for smooth sailing."

31 August 2009
KUWAIT: In the midst of the turmoil regarding the delay of the start of the school year, information revealed that thousands of teachers will start the school year after enrolling in training courses provided by the Ministry of Health. In the mean time, a number of members of the Parents of Students at English Schools group have protested the fact that English schools won't be included in any postponement decision, indicating that they will not be sending their kids to school if these schools remain out of any postponement plans.

Teachers at the training courses will be trained with taking precautionary measures from the threat of infection of the swine flu virus. They will also be trained to detect any cases of infection among students and ways of handling the situation.

Furthermore, the sources added that the Ministry of Education has provided each school with qualified teachers who will be forming emergency teams that will supervise any potential evacuation operations or any other escalation pertaining to the infection threat. These teams will be coordinating directly with the medical centers of their respective areas in order to control any infection cases before sending them to the center for prompt treatment.

Full story on source:

More infectious, unlikely to mutate

"Take a look at this."

KUWAIT CITY, Sept 1:
“The H1N1 pandemic virus has a clear biological advantage over the two main seasonal flu strains and all the makings of a virus fully adapted to humans,” Daniel Perez of the University of Maryland said in a statement.

“I’m not surprised to find that the pandemic virus is more infectious, simply because it’s new, so hosts haven’t had a chance to build immunity yet. Meanwhile, the older strains encounter resistance from hosts’ immunity to them,” Perez said. The researchers also found that the pandemic virus established infections deeper in the ferrets’ respiratory system, including the lungs, while the seasonal flu strains remained in the nasal passages. That confirmed observations in people. “The findings of this study are preliminary, but the far greater communicability of the pandemic virus is a clearly blinking warning light,” he said. The World Health Organization predicts a third of the world’s population will eventually be infected with swine flu.

Health Minister Dr Hilal Al-Sayer assured here on Tuesday that preperations are ready in all the medical centers in cooperation with Ministry of Education to deal with any swine flu crisis. In a statement to KUNA, Al-Sayer said after a meeting of the parliamentary health committee that took place today that the health situation in Kuwait is stable, and there is no need for undue concern. He praised the role of parliament members through their comments and opinions during the meeting, and affirmed to take them into consideration.

During the meeting, the preperation of the Health ministry was presented in the presence of WHO experts to combat the swine flu, where they were invited by Kuwait to examine the sitaution. Since April, the ministry has been following the situation of swine flu, and therefore, 120 clinics in different schools will be medically equipped in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, Al-Sayer added. He said that the protoclos of the swine flu treatment have been developed and that as a result the number of cases have decreased lately.

Full story on source:

Pointless swine flu panic is not the answer

"Swine flu scare that is.. everyone seems to be affected especially those with little children. Geared with the right mindset and providing the proper health care for ourselves and our families, beyond doubt we will do immensely well."

September 01, 2009
To go to school or not to go to school; that is the question.

The National Assembly and the Council of Ministers have been going back on forth on whether public schools should reopen as scheduled at the end of September, or whether the reopening should be postponed due to the swine flu epidemic. The reason is that many MPs are worried that swine flu could spread quickly among young children. By postponing the start of the school year, parents might have enough time to vaccinate their children or take other necessary precautions.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has already stated that it does not recommend postponing the reopening of schools and, as far as I know, many other countries hit by swine flu have not postponed it. But leave it to our MPs to blow things out of proportion and create an unnecessary health scare, just to score some points with their constituents.

That swine flu is an infectious disease is undeniable. Adults and children need to take precautions against it and parents should educate their children about the importance of washing their hands frequently and putting their hands over their mouth when they cough. However, it must be stated in clear and simple language that swine flu is not automatically fatal, unless it infects individuals with preexisting health problems, such as obesity, pneumonia or pregnancy. Furthermore, most of the 200+ patients that have been infected in Kuwait have been cured and are now back to living their lives normally. The epidemic is real, but delaying the reopening of schools is not a cure; it is just an overreaction.

Full story on source:

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• Pandemic alert should indicate 'actual danger': experts (nationalpost.com)

Health panel meets; Govt insists 'no delay' for schools

"News on the first day of the month is as hot as the climate we are having right now. I am strongly definite everyone just yearns for safety against swine flu for all the students once school starts."

September 01, 2009
KUWAIT: The National Assembly health and labor committee will hold an expanded meeting today to discuss government preparations to face any possible outbreak of swine flu when students return to school by the end of September. Education Minister Modhi Al-Humoud however insisted that there will be no delay in reopening the schools beyond September 27 for Arabic schools and September 13 for private schools.

Humoud added that the ministry has taken all the necessary precautions along with the ministry of health. The minister's view was strongly backed yesterday by the World Health Organization expert who is visiting Kuwait. The expert said that the swine flu situation in Kuwait was "reassuring" and there was no need to delay reopening the schools on schedule. But MPs who are pushing for an emergency session of the National Assembly to discuss the swine flu situation said yesterday they were too close to get the required signatures to force the session.

Full story on source:

Kuwait delays kindergarten by two months over swine flu

"For those with preschoolers, foreign kindergarten schools will have its opening by September 13."

August 30, 2009
Kuwait has decided to delay the reopening of kindergartens for two months for fear of the spread of swine flu after the Gulf emirate reported over 1,000 cases, the education minister said on Sunday.

The cabinet decided at an emergency meeting on Saturday night that the measure will also affect schools for students with special needs and nurseries, while other schools will reopen on schedule in the last week of September, Mudhi al-Homud told the official Kuna news agency.

Kuwait has reported 1,336 cases of A (H1N1) influenza, four of whom have died, including a two-and-a-half-year-old girl and a pregnant woman.

The decision came after pressure from lawmakers who called on the government to delay reopening of all schools for two months after the rate of infection in the emirate picked up rapidly in the past few weeks.

About 30 MPs have signed a request to convene an emergency session of parliament next week to discuss government preparations to face the disease. They must secure the support of 33 MPs for the session to take place.

Authorities last week decided to delay reopening of kindergartens at foreign schools by two weeks until September 13.

Kuwait has invited experts from the World Health Organisation (WHO) to assess the situation, health ministry undersecretary Ibrahim al-Abdulhadi said, adding that the ministry has set up a special hotline and beefed up preparations for the start of the school year.

Kuwait has ample stocks of the anti-flu drug Tamiflu and has ordered 45,000 vaccines for October and another one million by the end of the year.

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Kuwait''s fifth swine flu death reported as nine year old

"An update for today that I can't miss posting."

KUWAIT, Aug 30 (KUNA) -- The Health Ministry reported the fifth death of swine flu in the State of Kuwait as a nine year old boy who had suffered chronic respiratory and chest ailments.

Ministry Spokesman Dr. Yousef Al-Nisif told KUNA the boy had been in critical condition due to chronic infection of the chest and later contracted the flu. The patient was in hospital since August 22 and given treatment and care in isolation at the Intensive Care Unit, but his health still deteriorated until he passed away late last night.

Most swine flu cases in the country have recovered, he noted, and all fatalities were of people already suffering serious and chronic ailments before getting the swine flu virus. So far, recovery rate of swine flu in Kuwait stands at 99 percent and cases are reported and detected at below international rates, with most of the cases being categorized as mild. Most susceptible to the swine flu virus are children below five, pregnant women, and those with chronic ailments such as diabetes, asthma, and those with weak immune system.

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Delaying schools reopening… not effective solutions; Coordinated efforts needed to stop spread of ‘swine flu’

"For those concerned, information about school opening is here including measures to prevent spread of swine flu among students."

“CLASSES in government schools will start as scheduled on Sept 27... meanwhile, asked about measures taken to combat swine flu, Minister of Education and Higher Education Dr Moudhi Al-Humoud said the joint committee of the Ministries of Health and Education had placed an effective plan to counter the spread of swine flu in schools. She explained workshops have been held for administrative staff and teachers to train them on how to measure a child’s temperature and take preventive measures. She said 120 fully-equipped clinics had been established in schools and the ministry will hold intensive swine flu awareness campaigns for parents.” (Arab Times, Aug 26, 2009).

Using rational methods such as starting awareness campaigns for students’ families, school clinics, and administrative staff are steps in the right direction. Doing otherwise, for example postponing the start of school to an indefinite time does not seem to provide effective solutions to stop the spread of swine flu. Our only option in this regard should take the form of a coordinated effort by families, schools, and relevant government departments.

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• CDC: Schools Should Only Close if High Number of Sick Students (shoppingblog.com)
• Swine Flu May Not Close College Classrooms (nlm.nih.gov)

Kuwait warns against online H1N1 drug sales

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"A health care warning for everyone that is not worth taken for granted is never do self-medication. Information like this is crucial for everyone not only in Kuwait but also, for everyone around the globe."

Kuwait: August 24
Kuwait's Pharmaceutical Services Office and Poison Centre has warned the public not to buy antiviral drugs to treat swine flu via the internet without a doctor's prescription. By using such drugs, patients may increase the risk of weakening their resistance towards the virus, the Centre's Director Issam Al Baho said. He urged people to ensure an online pharmacy is legitimate before buy medicines, particularly from countries where online sales are not licensed.

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264 swine-flu cases reported during the week

"This is what I am talking about. Everyone must be sort of paranoid in public places. But then again an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. Good thing information dissemination is being given importance for the public's health awareness i.e., awareness campaigns, billboards and advertisements on streets, plus sending out letters as health instructions."

"Again, I will repeat from my previous posts as a reminder. Symptoms of swine flu are similar to the regular seasonal flu - high fever over 37.8, running nose, aching body, headache, sore throat, upset stomach and difficulty in breathing. People with swine flu are likely to be contagious one day before and up to seven days after they begin to show swine flu symptoms, Dr. Musaad Al-Attiyah, Head of the Pharmaceutical Department at the Contagious Diseases Hospital, told Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)."

Published Date: August 28, 2009
KUWAIT: The Health Ministry revealed 264 new cases of swine flu during the week, according to a health official yesterday. The number is lower than when compared to the earlier week, ministry spokesperson Yousif Al-Nisf said, indicating to a total number of 1,336, most of which have been treated. The ministry operates under the guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), he said.

Al-Nisf stressed the need for residents to wash hands regularly, cover their mouths and noses when sneezing or coughing, to get lots of rest, to avoid unnecessary contact with others at diwaniyas, mosques or shopping centres, and to visit the doctor when experiencing any flu-like symptoms.

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Kuwait confirms fourth swine flu death

"I know what you are probably thinking. Hard it may seem, reality is so visible so much so that it may send quivers to our spine. Swine flu virus is lurking to its course like a wolf hunting for its prey. Let's shield ourselves. We know what to do. We all need strong resistance much more for our children. And oh, listen to our instincts too."

Wednesday, 26 August 2009
Kuwait’s Ministry of Health on Wednesday confirmed a fourth death from swine flu - a non-Kuwaiti child aged two.

The child, who died Wednesday morning, had been admitted to a children’s hospital on Tuesday for other health issues, including a 'nutritional imbalance'. The young girl was subsequently put in isolation.

According to the World Health Organization, segments of society most prone to the H1N1 virus include children under the age of five, pregnant women, the elderly, obese individuals, people affected by chronic illnesses and individuals with weak immune systems.

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Kuwait confirms third swine flu death

"Here's hoping for infected AH1N1 patients to recover well in spite of conditions that might complicate their health."

25 August 2009
A Kuwaiti man infected with swine flu has died, bringing number of related deaths in the Gulf country to three.

Ministry of Health spokesman Dr Youssef Al-Nisf said the man, who died in the intensive care unit, also had very acute respiratory infections and obesity.

Al-Nisf added that the citizen was admitted to the hospital on August 17, where he was isolated and subjected to anti-viral treatment, KUNA News Agency reported.

This is the third swine-flu related case of death in Kuwait while the number of infected cases stands at 1,072.

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