About The Swine Flu
Posted by Joelseah on April 30, 2009
The biggest news in the papers today is all about the swine flu. Apparently, this new virus is even more dangerous than Sars because it attacks silently.
According to the papers, one in three victims does not even show any flu symptoms like sneezing or high temperature. And because this virus is at its most contagious 24 hours before any signs surface, it is likely we could be passing it on before we even realise we’ve got it.
We’re better prepared for this as compared to Sars though. So expect temperature checks at places like polyclinics, hospitals, airports, schools, army camps. Which means if you have any appointments, be sure to allow extra time for queuing up.
Anyway, here are some additional stuff about the Swine flu from the papers:
- Don’t take Tamiflu unless you have the flu. Tamiflu is said to be effective against Swine flu, however, it is not a vaccine. Some studies have shown that you may end up lowering your resistance instead of protecting yourself against the virus.
- Even if you are infected, you should recover within 48 hours if treated with antiviral drugs. That is of course, if you can detect that you’re infected.
- Practice good hygiene and visit the doctor when you have any symptoms of flu. Even if it may seem like a normal flu, it’s not worth taking the risk.
- Like all flu epidemics, the Swine flu could come in waves. So even if this first wave dies, there is no clue when the second will hit. Bottom line is, maintain personal hygiene and take every flu symptom seriously.
