Singapore to lower flu alert to yellow over next five days

Singapore to lower flu alert to yellow over next five days Posted: 06 May 2009 1751 hrs Source : http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/427342/1/.html SINGAPORE - Singapore said Wednesday it would likely lower its alert level for swine flu next week, as the new strain of the virus appeared milder than originally feared. Authorities, however, will maintain temperature checks at the city-state's airport, sea ports and land border, the health ministry said in a statement. Passengers who had travelled to Mexico - the epicentre of the current flu outbreak - within seven days prior to their arrival in Singapore would still be placed under quarantine, it said. Screenings for flu-like symptoms at offices, schools, buildings and events will be lifted. If the situation remains the same, the alert level will be downgraded to "yellow" - the third in a five-step system - by Monday from the current "orange", the ministry said. "The new strain of influenza A(H1N1) seems milder than originally feared and appears to be more like seasonal flu," the ministry said. "However, as the situation is still evolving, we would need to constantly review and adjust our responses and be prepared to deal with the changing threat." The easing of measures is aimed at conserving resources and avoiding "flu fatigue", said Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan at a news conference on Wednesday. "We should shift to a sustainable level of flu precaution," he told reporters. He added: "SARS was not very infectious but deadly. It's like a big elephant. It is easier to spot and when you spot one, you try to shoot it and kill it with an elephant gun. H1N1 is not the same. It's like locusts that come once in a while, and thousands of them. You can try to kill them with elephant guns but it's not possible." Downgrading alert levels will also help the ministry conserve "bullets" such as the N95 masks, which are running out islandwide, for the second wave of the H1N1 virus attack. Mr Khaw said: "If your public health measures were to have effect, it must be quick. It must be over-reacting. You must not under react. But you cannot over-react forever - then you cause problem of 'cry wolf'. "Yellow is not green, the virus is still out there. The situation remains dynamic and we must continue to stay vigilant and manage this crisis nimbly." As of Wednesday, 12 people are currently in government-imposed home quarantine, the health ministry said. This includes six Singaporeans, five Mexicans and one Indonesian. Two of the five Mexicans will complete their seven days in isolation just before midnight Wednesday. Mr Khaw said that as the disease is highly contagious, the public has a very important role to play in combating it by raising standards of hygiene. He urged all Singaporeans to aspire to the Japanese standards of cleanliness and hygiene. The ministry said that if the virus mutates to become stronger, then alert levels may be revised upwards again. Mr Khaw also commended the Mexican government for reacting to the H1N1 outbreak promptly and for openly sharing data with the world. Earlier this week, the Mexican Ambassador in Singapore objected to the republic's decision to impose temporary visa requirements on Mexican passport holders. It said the move is "unnecessary" and "unjustified". The Health Ministry said Home Quarantine Orders will still apply to persons with a travel history to Mexico in the past seven days and it will closely monitor the situation before deciding whether to lift visa requirements. Under Singapore law, anyone found in breach of the quarantine order can be fined 10,000 Singapore dollars (US$6,802), jailed six months or both, for a first-time offence. - AFP/CNA/vm **** **** Flu alert lowered, but still, be alert ! =)

This H1N1 Virus is getting so dangerous and spreading so fast... Channel News Asia has a section on this virus. ------ > http://www.channelnewsasia.com/fluoutbreak/ Some info to share : http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/specialreport/view/1521/1/.html FAQs on Influenza A (H1N1) Posted: 28 April 2009 1103 hrs What is Swine Flu (Swine Influenza)? Swine flu is a respiratory disease affecting pigs that is caused by type A influenza virus. Swine influenza viruses may circulate among swine throughout the year, but most outbreaks occur during the late fall and winter months similar to influenza outbreaks in humans. It causes high levels of illness but low death rates in pigs. Does Swine Flu affect humans? Swine flu viruses that cause disease in pigs very rarely affect humans. However, sporadic human infections with swine flu have occurred. Most commonly, these cases occur in persons with direct exposure to pigs but there have also been documented cases of human-to-human spread of swine flu. How does Swine Flu spread to humans? Swine flu spreads to humans mainly through contact with infected pigs, which shed the virus in their saliva, nasal secretions and faeces. Limited human-to-human transmission can also occur in the same way as seasonal flu occurs in people. Can people catch Swine Flu from eating pork? There is currently no evidence to suggest that swine flu can be transmitted to humans from eating pork or pork products that have been thoroughly cooked. What are the symptoms of Swine Flu in humans? The symptoms of swine flu in people are expected to be similar to the symptoms of regular human seasonal influenza. An early symptom is high fever, and this is followed by cough, sore throat, runny nose, and sometimes breathlessness a few days later. How can human infections with swine flu be diagnosed? To diagnose swine flu, a respiratory specimen would generally need to be collected within the first 4 to 5 days of illness (when an infected person is most likely to be shedding the virus). However, some persons, especially children may shed the virus for 10 days or longer. What medications are available to treat swine flu infection in humans? There are four different antiviral drugs that are licensed for use in Singapore for the treatment of influenza: amantadine, rimantadine, oseltamivir and zanamivir. While most swine flu viruses have been susceptible to all four drugs, the most recent swine flu viruses isolated from humans are resistant to amantadine and rimantadine. At this time, the US CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir (Tamiflu®) or zanamivir (Relenza®) for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with swine flu viruses. Are there any cases of Swine Flu in Singapore? To date, there have been no human cases of swine flu detected in Singapore. Is there any cause for alarm in Singapore? No human swine flu cases have been reported in Singapore. MOH is monitoring the situation closely and will update the public should the situation change. What is MOH doing to ensure that the disease is not transmitted here? MOH maintains a comprehensive and well established disease surveillance system for the early detection of human cases of novel influenzas such as swine flu. In addition, MOH has sent a medical alert to all medical practitioners and staff in hospitals, national centres, private medical clinics and polyclinics to update them on the outbreak of swine flu in the USA and Mexico and to advise them to be vigilant for any suspect cases. When the situation warrants, MOH will step up public health measures e.g. quarantine of contacts, issue public health advisories, and work with other government agencies to screen visitors at our border checkpoints. Further, MOH has an influenza pandemic preparedness plan in response to a pandemic situation. Is it safe to visit countries with cases of Swine Flu and will I be quarantined when I return? What travel precautions should I take? There are currently no travel restrictions or quarantine advised by the World Health Organisation for swine flu. If you intend to travel to areas which have cases of swine flu (currently – Southern California and Texas in the United States; and Mexico), you should take note of the following measures to minimize your risk of acquiring swine flu: 1. Avoid contact with persons with symptoms of influenza. 2. Avoid crowded areas and maintain good ventilation. 3. Observe good personal and environmental hygiene. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water frequently and when they are contaminated by respiratory secretions e.g. after sneezing. 4. Maintain good body resistance through a balanced diet, regular exercise, having adequate rest, reducing stress and not smoking. What should I do if I suspect I have swine flu after returning to Singapore? You should consult your doctor as soon as possible and inform your doctor if you have symptoms of swine flu and had recently travelled to areas which have cases of swine flu (currently – Southern California and Texas in the United States; and Mexico). What should I do if I fall ill overseas? You should consult a local doctor as soon as possible and refrain from traveling until you are certified fit by the doctor. Does influenza vaccination help in preventing Swine Flu? Vaccines are available to be given to pigs to prevent swine influenza. There is no vaccine to protect humans from swine flu. The seasonal influenza vaccine is unlikely to protect against H1N1 swine flu viruses. Is it safe to come into contact with live pigs in nature reserves and the wildlife reserves? So far, there are no known cases of swine flu in Singapore. However, proper hygiene practices, such as washing of hands after contact with animals including pigs, should be maintained. Source: Ministry of Health, Singapore **** **** Take of yourself, and stay healthy ! My company not able to buy digital thermometer ( of course la! with so many people wanting to buy..DUHS! ) so we are asked to bring out the thermometer given during Sars period... I think i place it........ somewhere ?? *scratch head*

This was how my Sunday(Last day of long weekends..) was spent.... Tea, and 'people watching'.... haha! By the way, one of my friend has a 7 month old Jack Russell, asking if anyone is interested to adopt it... Anyone interested ? =) Do contact me... This week, classes will start on every Tuesday and Thursday.. with my company month end closing to do... i'll be busy(again...) Should i be happy or not? H.A.H.A

Funny Life in Prison (usavich)

Was a rather slacking day... sleep till almost noon... Cleared up a bit of the room, to prepare for new modules starting next week (going to be busy again...) Yawnz.... ANYWAY ! My friend introduced me this very cute Flash short clips... very funny!! haha... Happy viewing... =P

Happy Labour Day ! 51, 51 ! Yet another holiday... wee! My day started with badminton with my friends.. and then a good lunch.. *yum yum* =) Its long weekends... what am i got to do for Saturday and Sunday leh ?? haha ! Been a dramatic period, from the day getting news of 'Golden Handshake', till the day when the whole thing was being cancelled.. So drama hor ! *yawn* 留得住我的人，留不住我的心 SIGH !!