Flu virus: Know the facts, don't panic

Much has been said about the swine flu virus and most people are getting the jitters especially since 12) people, including six foreigners, have been quarantined here for the flu since May 1. Thank God, five of them tested negative for the virus. Before this, the World Health Organization (WHO) has raised alert level 5, sending out a strong signal that a pandemic is imminent. As we looked at the WHO Outbreak Map, seeing how the flu has spread from Mexico starting March 18 to the present 23 countries around the world, is really alarming. Cases are under observation in Mexico, US, New Zealand, Australia, Brazil, France, Spain, Netherlands, Britain, Israel, France, South Korea, Canada, Germany, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Hongkong, Switzerland, Austria, Colombia, Denmark, Ireland and Italy. As of May 7, confirmed deaths stand at 31 and positive cases number 1,569.                   

Despite the quick spreading of the flu-like virus, doctors and scientists are coming to a consensus that, based on evidence, the A-H1N1 virus cannot be any more deadly than the common flu outbreaks that occur during cold season in many countries. WHO also reported that there was no evidence of sustained spread in communities outside North America, which would fit the definition of a pandemic. Still, because of the trend of transmission to other countries, a pandemic may still be possible if the virus develops into something more serious. Thus, everyone must remain on guard and be aware that this new flu strain can be a potential threat.                                    

Swine Flu, as it has been called, is basically a respiratory disease, caused by influenza type A which infects pigs. It can be spread from person to person through coughing or sneezing and the symptoms are similar to the common flu which includes fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, chills and fatigue. The common flu, by the way, is considered a public threat, with 250,000 to 500,000 casualties annually. What is ironic is that this A-H1N1 is the same strain that causes the seasonal outbreaks of common flu in humans on a regular basis and yet it is the same strain as that of the Spanish flu pandemic in 1918, the most devastating outbreak yet. It can be remembered that due to the absence of antibiotics then and the prevailing difficult post-war conditions, up to 40% of the world’s population were infected, with more than 50 million people killed. We are lucky that both international and local health agencies are now more well-equipped and knowledgeable about the control of diseases. 

What is new about this type of flu is that it contains genetic material typically found in strains of the virus that affect birds and swine as well and younger people from age 20 to 40 are the ones seriously affected. This flu tends to thrive in cooler conditions and struggles in warmer weather, hence the threat to tropical countries like ours may not be too great. With regards the common name for this flu, scientists hesitate to name it swine flu since a person appeared to have spread the disease to the pigs and not the other way around. A worker at a farm in Alberta, Canada had traveled to Mexico, fallen ill there and unknowingly brought the disease back to infect the pigs in Canada. Hence, Department of Health Secretary Francisco Duque had earlier announced that people can continue eating pork. It follows that incinerating pigs will not stop the spread of the virus.                        

Given all these facts, we all should simply avoid crowded, closed places, avoid touching things that many people touch such as door knobs, elevator presses, handrails, etc. and then touching your nose or mouth, observe personal hygiene and cleanliness at all times, especially when eating, wear masks when needed, always wash your hands and see the doctor as soon as flu symptoms are observed. We should not be alarmed with the frequent media coverage about the virus, instead we should be assured that our agencies are closely monitoring the disease, our airport officials making sure incoming visitors from other places are screened and tested properly, identifying possible cases to ensure the virus is contained. We enjoin everyone to be vigilant and follow the rules for their own protection.