A/H1N1

Initially known as 'swine flu' because it originates from pigs and transmitted to human, this virus has spread globally since last week. It started in Mexico where the number of fatalities had increase to exceed a hundred. It then spread to USA. Number of confirmed cases in USA are increasing but there has been no fatalities except that of a Mexican boy who had crossed border in hopes of a cure. In the past week, we have seen the virus cropping up in UK, Australia, New Zealand, and recently in Hong Kong. Today, South Korea reported one case.

As of today, I have no heard of fatallities other than those in Mexico. The virus can be treated with flu medicines but there is no vaccine as yet. WHO has declared phase 4 (sustainable human to human transmission) early this week and had elevated it to phase 5 (pandemic). With phase 5, countries are expected to step-up monitorings and start necessary preparations. I don't recall WHO declaring phase 5 for SARS.

My boss and a colleague were in South America last week. As they will be travelling including making stops at airports, I hope they don't catch the virus. It is said that the virus is transmissible one day before symptoms appear and seven days after. The symptoms are very similar to common flu; fever, coughs, sneezes, running nose, headaches, etc. The virus can survive outside a host for up to two hours.

A health expert advises to maintain good hygiene. He also advise to wash hands with soap as long as it takes to sing Happy Birthday. Oooppss...I don't usually wash my hands that long. And sometines I just run them under the water only.

I read that China has even suspended flights from Mexico. When first read of the virus spreading to USA and Canada, I was already wondering why they did not close the border. But then I realized that the fatalities were limited to Mexico only (for whatever reasons yet to be determined) so the borders are probably not closed in order to disrupt economics, etc.

The Star whose an illustration of a bull (2009 is the bull year in chinese zodiac calendar) screeching to a stop at a sign that proclaims 'swine crossing'. Rising stock market took a little drop when WHO declared phase 4. Other than that, business as usual. Pharmacies are doing well with sales of flu med and masks.

Lets hope this end soon. I fear the continuing transmissions will cause the virus to mutate with more fatal consequences. As it is, I think the wheels had started turning, grinding slowly but surely.