Saturday, May 2, 2009

It's a Swine, the world is coming to an end.

Every year or two we get an epidemic.

Is the world is coming to an end?

Just weeks earlier, there was the 'mini typhoon' in Singapore. I saw with my own eyes on the 2oth floor of my friend's condo how the wind made the trees bow.


Everyone scrambled to close their doors and windows. The winds kept going for the longest few minutes of my life.

The swine flu situation in Singapore has gone to another phase, from 3 to 4. This means that there is now human-to-human transmission. Be careful people!



To curb the issue before it hits us bad, the Singapore government is recycling the 'Singapore OK' campaign put in place during the SARs outbreak. Are they re-using the educational campaign materials too? I mean, just as the economic downturn eases, this swine thing came about. So what to do? Save money and save Singapore at the same time!

Take the cue from the government. It's time to recycle the thermometer and face mask. Time to stock up on dettol!


The virus seems to have started from Mexico this time round. Singapore and many other countries like the US have warned against travelling to the country.

Play a part and prevent the virus from spreading. Here's how:

The only way to differentiate the swine flu and the regular flu is to go through medical testing. Go for testing only if you have a fever above 100°F or 37.8°C, PLUS any one or more of the following symptoms:

  • Cough

  • Sore throat

  • Bodyaches and Headaches

  • Chills

  • Fatigue

  • Vomitting/ Diarrhea

  • Respiratory problems

Are you starting to wonder if you have the above symptoms?

How does this Swine Flu spread?

This swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads; mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. You may also become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching your mouth or nose.

How can someone with the flu infect others?

Infected people may be able to infect others the moment they get infected, even without realising the symptoms.

What should I do to keep from getting the flu?

The most important lesson we learnt from the SARs epidemic; wash your hands. In general, stay in good health so as to strengthen or maintain your immune system. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.




As I was finishing up this post, Freckles said: " Oh no, I'm in danger of contracting the swine flu". I inched away from her subtly and asked her why. "Because my best friend just told me her girlfriend is a pig".