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.

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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.

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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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Cabinet urged to take necessary measures on tackling ‘swine flu’

"Despite the increasing swine flu cases, health officials are not taking things for granted. They continue keeping things in order and improving measures to control swine flu. The private schools union will also discuss important matters regarding prevention working on a proposal to protect students and prevent outbreak of the disease in schools."

KUWAIT CITY, Aug 9: Reform and Development Bloc member MP Dr Jamaan Al-Harbash on Sunday asked the Cabinet to take the necessary precautionary measures to combat swine flu (H1N1 virus). Affirming that 500 or more people have been infected with swine flu in Kuwait, Al-Harbash reiterated his bloc’s proposal to postpone opening of the new academic year to prevent further spread of the virus. “According to international health organizations, the virus might spread at an alarming rate at the beginning of the new academic year. The Ministry of Health (MoH) must immediately take the necessary precautions, such as delaying the opening of the new academic year, which should not be a point of debate among officials at the Ministry of Education (MoE). This step requires careful planning to ensure the safety of our nation,” Al-Harbash opined. Criticizing the Cabinet for its failure to launch additional public awareness campaigns, Al-Harbash argued such campaigns will greatly contribute in trimming down the number of swine flu cases in the country. He asserted the bloc is closely monitoring the Cabinet’s actions, particularly those related to this pandemic.

Agencies add:

The Union of Private Schools is working on a proposal that discusses the prevention of swine flu in foreign private schools in the new semester beginning Aug 20, reports Al-Qabas daily quoting reliable sources. According to the sources, the union will submit this proposal to representatives at the Ministry of Health during a meeting scheduled to be held on Aug 12. The meeting will be attended by owners and principals of private schools, and will discuss the proposal. The sources added if the Ministry approves the proposal, it will be circulated to all schools. The source pointed out the report includes precautionary steps to be taken by school administrations to protect students and prevent an outbreak of the disease. They also said issuing vaccinations in Arab and foreign schools is an important precautionary measure.

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**STARTLING NEW EVIDENCE THAT 'SWINE FLU' PANDEMIC IS MAN-MADE

"We are in the dog days of summer and so is this swine flu scare. This article is another controversial issue for me. Is swine flu pandemic man-made? I know, I am not in a position to judge. I just want to share this with you before I hit the sack. Well, do you count your chickens before they hatch?"

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WHO EMRO meeting on swine flu crucial - Kuwait acting Hlt. Min.

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"It is right, millions will flock on the Muslim pilgrimage and Umra for their religious duties. The Acting Health Minister of Kuwait made a decisive action and should be taken with utmost importance."

7/22/2009 9:54:00 PM

CAIRO, July 22 (KUNA) -- Kuwait's Acting Minister of Health Moudhi Al-Humoud stressed Wednesday the necessity of the emergency meeting of East Mediterranean health ministers while hailing recommendations and solutions set forth aimed at combating the global outspread of the A(H1N1) virus.

Al-Humoud, also Minister of Education and Minister of Higher Education, was speaking to KUNA ahead of her departure of Cairo, Egypt, after attending the World Health Organization - Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean (WHO EMRO) meeting. She said that Arab health ministers at the meeting urged the need for a combined awareness campaign on how to avoid swine flu contamination. She added that the meeting was meant to discuss precautionary measures, countries in the region were to take in event of the upcoming seasons of Muslim pilgrimage (Hajj) and Umra where hundreds of thousands of Muslims will flock to Makkah, Saudi Arabia to carry out their religious duties.

Al-Humoud expressed hope results of the meeting will benefit people in the region, especially with the coinciding period of the religious season with Autumn when seasonal flu numbers increase significantly. She also praised the efforts of Saudi authorities aimed at tackling the spread of the pandemic. Saudi Arabia's health minister also attended the meeting. The country's western city of Jeddah in June, was host to over 50 health specialists who discussed means to combat and prevent the outspread of the global pandemic.

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**HOW TO PREVENT AND PREPARE FOR SWINE FLU

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"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.

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