Influenza A H1N1

Stop the spread on influenza A (H1N1).

This is the clarion call from the Health Ministry to all Malaysians in the light that some 80,000 people may have been infected since the outbreak began in May.

The disease has claimed the lives of more than 60 people and the death toll is expected to rise if Malaysian ignore pleas to fight the pandemic.

The spread of the H1N1 virus occurs the same way as seasonal flu. Flu viruses are spread from person to person through coughing or sneezing by infected people. People may also become infected if they touched a surface or object with flu viruses on it and later touching their mouths or noses.

A person who touches a contaminated surface spreads the germs when he touches his eyes, nose or mouth. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person also move in the air. Germs can be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a contaminated surface and fails to wash his hands later.

An interesting article in WorldNews said handshakes and touching contaminated objects such as doorknobs, car doors, towels and handkerchiefs could easily transmit the flu virus. Hands act as carriers for disease-causing pathogens from person to person, either through direct contact or indirectly via surfaces. Humans can spread bacteria by touching other people's faces, noses, hair and hands.

Washing hands with water alone is less effective than using soap to eliminate germs. Although soap cuts the grease and dirt that carry most germs, washing with soap is time consuming compared with just using water. Effective hand-washing with soap takes 15-20 seconds, followed by thorough rinsing.

You should wash your hands before and after eating and cooking; before touching infants, newborns, toddlers; after contact with a public surface; before and after food preparation, especially raw meat, poultry, or seafood; after using the bathroom; after handling rubbish; after gardening; cleaning the restroom, house or any chores; after touching pets or any animals; after blowing one's nose, coughing or sneezing; and when you yourself have a cold or if someone around you is sick.

Do you know that hand washing is the first line of defence against germs and against the spread of many illnesses, from the common cold to pneumonia, bronchitis, meningitis, influenza, hepatitis A and other diseases.


Every Day Steps To Protect Your Health

▪ Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the rubbish bin after use.

▪ Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.

▪ Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.

▪ Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

▪ If you are sick with flu-like illness, stay home and adhere to the 10 steps stipulated by the Health Ministry for self-quarantine.

▪ If you are sick but have underlying health conditions and co-morbid problems, go to the nearest hospital or clinic.

▪ Keep away from others if you are ill.

▪ Wear a face mask if you have flu-like symptoms.

▪ Avoid close contact with people who have influenza-like illness.

▪ Avoid direct contact with influenza A (H1N1) cases and if you need to be in close contact with cases of influenza A, use a protective mask and practice strict personal hygiene.

▪ Practice social distancing.

▪ Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.