ah1n1 virus in RP

From: ABSCBN NEWS| 06/16/2009 6:12 PM

MANILA - The number of confirmed cases of influenza A (H1N1) virus in the Philippines has ballooned to almost 250, based on the latest data from the Department of Health (DOH).

The DOH announced 54 new cases on Tuesday, bringing the total number of confirmed A(H1N1) infections in the country to 247.

The health department said the new cases include 29 females and 25 males aged 5 to 70. It added that 52 of the new cases are Filipinos and only two are foreigners.

The DOH said 85 of the infected patients have been discharged as of June 16.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III declared the country’s first A (H1N1) cases last May 21. The first case is a Filipino woman who came from a trip to the United States and Canada with her parents last May 18.

The woman, who showed mild flu symptoms, has fully recovered from the viral infection.

Also on Tuesday, Lagro Elementary School in Quezon City suspended classes for 10 days due to two confirmed cases of A (H1N1).

Nine schools in the country have confirmed A(H1N1) cases including De la Salle University-Taft, DLSU-College of St. Benilde, Far Eastern University-East Asia College, St. Andrews School in Parañaque, Ateneo Grade School, Mapua Institute of Technology-Makati, Philippine Science High School Eastern Visayas Campus, Hilera Elementary School in Nueva Ecija and Doña Candelaria Highschool in Bulacan.

2 ABS-CBN employees has A (H1N1)

ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corp. announced Tuesday that its two employees have been infected with the influenza A(H1N1) virus.

The network said that the two employees are “already safe and recovering,” and that it is closely coordinating with the Department of Health (DOH) regarding the cases.

“Company officials have been closely coordinating with the Department of Health on the cases and have also conducted contact tracing to check on the health conditions of the people who may have been exposed to the two individuals,” Bong Osorio, head of ABS-CBN’s Corporate Communications, said in a statement.

Aside from this, Osorio said ABS-CBN has already implemented measures to prevent the new influenza virus from infecting other employees.

These, he said, include face-to-face briefings, regular flu advisory updates, installation of hand sanitizers around the ABS-CBN buildings in Quezon City, regular flu vaccination for employees and their dependents, as well as random body temperature checking of studio audiences and visitors entering ABS-CBN compound.

Meanwhile, Osorio assured that the ABS-CBN compound has been “disinfected” over the weekend.

“The network will continue its normal operations and will continue to promote safety and vigilance against the A(H1N1) virus,” the ABS-CBN official said.

abs-cbnNEWS.com is the online news department of ABS-CBN Interactive Inc., a subsidiary of ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corp.

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Too scary? But God says in His word; He is our healer. AH1N1 virus is now spreading worldwide and the latest was here in our country…it started with a few, now many are affected. Too bad…

I remembered DOH advisory: clean and wash your hands and use alcohol or any disinfectant, eat well and have a good habit or lifestyle…but hey, come to think of it…we are always communicating to a lot of people from all walks of life, we go to school, work, markets, park and etc, we are all prone to this virus-the deadly virus.

How are we going to know if we have this virus?

The symptoms of this new H1N1 flu virus in people are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A significant number of people who have been infected with this virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting. Also, like seasonal flu, severe illnesses and death has occurred as a result of illness associated with this virus.

The nerve right? But let’s do our best to protect ourselves from this matter.

What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?
There is no vaccine available right now to protect against this new H1N1 virus. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza.

Take these everyday steps to protect your health:

* Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
* 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.
* Stay home if you are sick for 7 days after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. This is to keep from infecting others and spreading the virus further.

Other important actions that you can take are:

* Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.
* Be prepared in case you get sick and need to stay home for a week or so; a supply of over-the-counter medicines, alcohol-based hand rubs, tissues and other related items might could be useful and help avoid the need to make trips out in public while you are sick and contagious.

What is the best way to keep from spreading the virus through coughing or sneezing?
If you are sick, limit your contact with other people as much as possible. If you are sick, stay home for 7 days after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Put your used tissue in the waste basket. Then, clean your hands, and do so every time you cough or sneeze.

What is the best technique for washing my hands to avoid getting the flu?
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Wash with soap and water or clean with alcohol-based hand cleaner. CDC recommends that when you wash your hands — with soap and warm water — that you wash for 15 to 20 seconds. When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used. You can find them in most supermarkets and drugstores. If using gel, rub your hands until the gel is dry. The gel doesn’t need water to work; the alcohol in it kills the germs on your hands.

(So, let’s pray not to have this, take care and stay safe.)