World Health Organization RAISES Pandemic Alert Again

Posted on Apr 29, 2009 in News Topics

I’m sure that all of you have seen this on the news in one form or another. This reminds me of the fear which passed through Asia when SARS and the Avian Flu spread. This time, it looks like this flu is more aggressive than other forms which have existed previously. One of the emails I received had the following statistics:

As of 18:00 GMT, 29 April 2009, nine countries have officially reported 148 cases of swine influenza A/H1N1 infection. The United States Government has reported 91 laboratory confirmed human cases, with one death. Mexico has reported 26 confirmed human cases of infection including seven deaths.

There are a couple of recommenations going around to prevent the spread of the flu.

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.

Throw tissue in the trash after use.

Wash your hands often with warm soap and water frequently

Use alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective. Most stores sell little bottles of these which you can carry around and then refull later

Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

Get enough rest to keep your immune system healthy

Avoid crowded places if possible

Eat healthy meals and exercise

 

Use some common sense when it comes to going to work when you’re feeling under the weather. Either call in work from home, or in extreme cases, call in sick for the day. There’s no use in infecting your coworkers and I’m sure they won’t appreciate receiving the flu either. If you must go into the office, wear a mask. Coworkers, make sure you have disinfectant sprays and wipes at the ready.