Last week, the swine flu (H1N1) virus was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) because it had already spread in many nations around the world. While the virus itself did not mutate into something more serious or more deadly, it spread quickly around the world within the 2 months since the first cases had been reported. For this reason, it is imperative that we be more cautious as we go about our daily activities by being more hygienic and mindful of our actions.
I am writing about this because I was surprised to find out that the number of cases in Manila had reached 311 as of today within four weeks since the first case was reported (compared to the 127 cases in Hong Kong as of today within six weeks since the first case was reported). And I was annoyed because the gravity of the situation is somehow being downplayed. (H1N1 Manila latest cases news source: http://www.gulfnews.com/world/Philippines/10323569.html) While the global death percentage from H1N1 cases currently stands at approximately 0.5%, which may seem rather low, H1N1 is still a virus and its rapid spread should be a cause for vigilance among citizens. Downplaying the situation will only let citizens feel that the situation is not a cause for public concern.
When I read about the 311 cases currently reported in Manila, I talked to my parents right away to remind them about the following:
1. Always wash your hands. Wash your hands with soap and water, while remembering to rub your hands with soap for 20 seconds, every chance you get.
2. Always bring alcohol/hand sanitizer/disposable wet towels everywhere and use this every hour or half hour when outside.
3. Never touch your face. Be conscious not to touch your eyes, nose, mouth and ears when outside. If you really need to, wash your hands first or sanitize with alcohol or other substitutes.
4. Cover your mouth/nose when you cough or sneeze. And walk away quickly but subtly when someone beside you coughs/sneezes. At the very least try not to inhale when someone near you does this, even if you just hear a cough/sneeze/clearing of throat. (as advised by Queen J)
5. If you wish, wear a mask when you go out. Never mind that people look because they will.
My parents' reminders: eat healthy by eating more fruits and vegetables, avoid getting stressed out, don't workout too hard (haha!), avoid going out unnecessarily.
Some believe that catching H1N1 is a matter of luck. I believe that throwing some caution into your luck wouldn't hurt.
I wouldn't know if HK citizens fear contracting the virus because not a lot of people outside are wearing masks, but the people Queen J and I have spoken to do not seem to be all that concerned. Of course, after SARS in 2003, the government is now more alert. Most shopping malls give out masks when asked for at the information desk, advertisements on precautionary measures such as the proper way of washing one's hands are being aired on TV repeatedly, and there are hand sanitizing stations conveniently set up in most establishments, among many efforts to educate, remind and prepare the public about the H1N1 virus.
I remember when SARS broke out in HK in 2003 and I was still in Manila, Mom would not allow me to watch movies in theaters. It was crazy, yes, but I guess it's just my mom's way of being cautious. And now I know to be cautious too and to remind her about being cautious.
In closing, I believe that the WHO declared H1N1 as a pandemic so that the world will sit up and listen and then to become more alert and to take steps to be more careful.
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