THE influenza A (H1N1) virus is now formally a pandemic, a declaration by U.N. health officials that will spur government spending worldwide to combat the first global flu epidemic in 41 years. Last Thursday’s announcement by the World Health Organization doesn’t mean the virus is any more lethal — only that its spread is considered unstoppable.
In the Philippines, the country’s total number of confirmed cases already reached to 103 as of last Friday, the highest in Southeast Asia. The global total is 29,669 cases in 74 countries with at least 145 deaths.
But the Department of Health stressed that almost one-third of the patients in the country have since recovered from the ailment. “We stress that there is still no community level transmission, that is why we are still in the containment stage,” said Health Secretary Francisco Duque III.
Since the pandemic is an issue beyond the domain of local governments, city administrator Wendel E. Avisado said the city government of Davao will mainly rely on advisories from national health authorities aside from monitoring and surveillance activities that local agencies have been implementing shortly after the new influenza caught global attention.
“What we need to do is to follow the basic precautionary measures that the DOH has earlier provided. Nothing is new to these guidelines, but it is better and helpful to always observe these guidelines,” he said.
Personal hygiene
According to DOH guidelines, the practice of good personal hygiene is one of the most effective strategies any individual can implement to reduce the risk of being infected by the influenza virus. These include:
Covering the nose and mouth with the sleeve when coughing or sneezing (not with the hand, as that contaminates the hand for touching and spreading organisms further);
Using tissue for cleaning/blowing the nose, and disposing of it after use;
Cleaning the hands after coughing or sneezing, using a tissue, or touching any surface that may have become contaminated by a prior user. If using a surgical mask, dispose of it carefully after use and wash hands:
Washing hands with soap and water (preferable) or clean with alcohol-based hand cleaner;
When washing the hands, wash for at least 20 seconds, making sure that all surfaces of hands and fingers are cleaned.
Become “touch aware”, and avoid touching surfaces that are likely to have been touched by others (door handles, stair railings, etc);
Avoid handshaking, social kissing, and other social rituals that involve touching others.
Be careful with respiratory secretions when around other people (e.g. coughing and sneezing). If possible, avoid contact with individuals at risk (small children or those with underlying or chronic illnesses) until respiratory symptoms have resolved.
Avoid crowded places and avoid attending unnecessary gatherings of people. Kidhat-kidhat nalang walay biso-biso,” quipped Avisado.
Reducing the risks
The United Nations Medical Guidelines also outlined the following tips to reduce the risk of contracting chances of spreading influenza:
Don’t share eating utensils and drinking glasses.
Clean utensils used by sick people, or surfaces they touch, with warm, soapy water or disinfectant.
Avoid crowded situations that place you in close contact with others.
Don’t smoke. Smoking makes it easier to catch influenza and increases the likelihood of serious complications.
Stay home if sick with a fever or cough.
What to stockpile
According to UN’s Guidelines, a pandemic wave is expected to last 6-8 weeks in each location, and thus, every household is encouraged to stockpile the following items that will last at least six weeks including:
Water
It is a good idea to stockpile supplies for any emergency. Stock bottled water or store water in plastic containers such as soft drink bottles. Plan to store 4 liters of water per person per day (2 liters for drinking and 2 liters for household use). Water requirements will also depend on other factors such as temperature. In hot seasons an individual’s water requirement may double and children, nursing mothers and those who are ill often require additional supplies. You should store enough water for at least a six-week period, if possible. Water purification kits or filters should be purchased if it is difficult to store large quantities of water.
Food
Store a six-week supply of non-perishable foods.
Select some foods that require no refrigeration in case electricity is temporarily unavailable. As clean water may be limited, choose foods that require little or no water to prepare. Foods that you may consider are:
Ready-to-eat canned meats and soups, fruits and vegetables
Dry goods such as noodles (remember that you will need to allow for enough water to cook these items). Dry cereal, granola, dried fruits and crackers
Canned juices
Peanut butter or nuts
Staples (salt, sugar, pepper, spices, etc.)
High energy foods such as protein or fruit bars
Food for infants — canned or jarred baby food and formula
Comfort/stress foods
Pet food
Energy Sources
Buy extra provisions of candles, paraffin lamps, batteries, etc., as electricity may not be available.
Consider how you might prepare foods without electricity or gas.
Purchase a hand-crank radio/flashlight.
Consider purchasing a telephone that can be connected directly to the phone line and does not require another energy source.
Medical items
Emergency services may be limited during a time of crisis; therefore, make sure your home emergency medical kit is not out of date, check all supplies for expiry dates, and replace any items that are out of date or nearing the expiration date.
The most important supply is a thermometer for each member of the family. Buy in advance.
Stock up on prescription medications that you might need; for example, if one of your family members is diabetic, ensure that you have enough supplies for at least 6 weeks, or if someone has a heart condition, ask your doctor for an extra prescription so that you can have an emergency supply of all the medications your family members need.
You may wish to consider stockpiling the following items:
Other Supplies
Extra bedding such as sheets, towels, plastic mattress covers, etc.
Alcohol-based hand wash
Garbage bags and cleaning supplies; viruses are easily cleaned away with formalin and iodine-based disinfectants. For bathing, soap and water is sufficient
Spare contact lenses
Denture and personal hygiene needs (tissues, toilet paper, disposable diapers)
Hearing aid batteries
Fire extinguisher (make sure you all know how to use it)
A clock that runs off batteries (include spare batteries)
Flashlight
Extra batteries
Portable radio
Manual can opener
Everyone at risk
The medical guidelines also pointed out that when a pandemic occurs, everyone will be at risk, not just frail or elderly people.
“Pandemic influenza passes from person to person just as easily and quickly as seasonal flu. But, unlike with seasonal flu, people will not be immune to this new virus, so more people will become infected.
In addition, it is possible that even young and healthy people who do not normally suffer complications from seasonal flu may develop serious complications and even die in a pandemic. It is important to know, however, that the majority of people who will develop a flu-like illness in a pandemic will recover and develop immunity to the new human virus,” it said.
The UN however said that no one can say whether or not the current situation would evolve into a severe pandemic.
“But whether it turns out to be a catastrophic health event or little more than a bad flu season, it is important to be prepared for the worst,” it added
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