::Keeping Disease at Bay ::

Keeping Disease at Bay

News on the recent H1N1 influenza disease can still be heard and seen on the television and newspaper, up till now. It is a highly contagious disease which spreads easily through coughing or sneezing. It is for this reason that it is important to carry a tissue around with you, especially in public areas.

The virus can also spread through breathing over and touching someone as well. There are a small group of people who are particularly prone to contracting H1N1. They are:-

a. Young children
b. Elderly
c. Expectant mothers
d. Those suffering from diseases related to the nervous system, diabetes, lung related diseases, obesity and asthma.

As a precautionary measure, Malaysians have been reminded that when in crowded public areas to wear a face mask, wash our hands more frequently. The wearing of face masks is definitely useful in preventing the spread of the disease, as it prevent saliva and other bodily fluids from being passed around.

If your child falls ill with a fever, it has been advised that they be quarantined at home to prevent the spread of the disease. Aside from preventing the spread of the disease, keeping your child at home also helps your child to recover faster. Together with seeking early medical attention, your child should be well on the way to recovery preventing the disease from getting worse and dangerous.

School also play an important role is monitoring children, so as to alert parents early on if symptoms of the disease surface, hence avoiding an outbreak of the disease. Schools have to be especially vigilant at this time. Some schools are also teaching their students on the proper technique of washing hands. The following some useful and washing techniques:-

1. Wet your hands before spreading soap all over your hands.
2. Rub your left hand and then your right.
3. Ensure that each finger and in between fingers are lathered with soap.
4. Rub the right and left hand’s nails against the palm of the opposite hand.
5. Rub the back of your palm and in between your fingers.
6. Then rinse both hands under running water.
7. Dry your hands on a clean and dry towel.

You should make it a habit to wash hands every time you cough or sneeze. t is also advisable that when out at public places, such as a shop, bus or LRT and touch any surface, to immediately wash hands as well. Finally, also try and wash your hands, if within the vicinity of someone who is coughing or sneezing.

If you or anyone you know is suffering from the following symptoms, immediately go to the nearest hospital or clinic:-

a. Constant high fever
b. Diarrhea or vomiting
c. Difficulty breathing
d. Coughing and bringing up bloody

References:

Ministry of Health Malaysia

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