First H1N1 Death

Oh dear, we have our first H1N1 flu related death this afternoon in Singapore. :( Let's hope we don't hear any more such bad news...

Students' Reactions

It has been about one and a half weeks since schools reopened and the precautionary measures being put in place in schools.

I asked my counsellees how they felt the H1N1 flu has changed their lives. Some felt it is troublesome because they have to take temperature twice a day everyday. Some felt it is fun because they can miss parts of their lessons. Some felt it is annoying because they miss parts of their favourite lessons. Some felt indifferent. But all felt that they are now much more aware of personal hygiene.

See, as I said before, there is some good when something like H1N1 comes along... :)

1111

4D* number? Lol. No, that is the total number of confirmed cases of Influenza A (H1N1) as of today in Singapore. More than half of the cases were local cases.

I think sometimes it is good that something like H1N1 comes along. Hear me out first before you want my blood. I am not being evil here. :P H1N1 has created in people the awareness on how the disease is spread and it has also resulted in people being more socially responsible. I tended to notice more people wearing masks now-a-days. Of course the cynic would say those people are afraid of catching H1N1 so they don the mask. However, it could also be said that they aren't well and are donning masks to protect others. :) I also noticed more people washing their hands longer and more carefully in the washrooms and I also observed more people using hand sanitizers.

See, there is some good. :)

*In Singapore, 4D is a game whereby a person picks a lucky 4-digit (4D) number from 0000 to 9999 and if the number matches any of the 23 4-digit numbers drawn, the person wins a prize.

H1N1 Pandemic - Singapore

The cases of H1N1 (A Flu) are on the increase in Singapore. Almost everyday now, it has been increasing by 2 scores, including both local cases and imported cases. :(

Some people have said it is nothing more than a seasonal flu as the death rates of it is almost on par with that of normal seasonal flu. I begged to differ. We still do not know how potent/ fatal the H1N1 flu really is. Medication is given at once when a person is diagnosed with H1N1. I think that would mask the severity of the flu.

Until the experts can finally come up with a cure for it, we must continue to be vigilant and continue with practising good personal hygiene.

Back to Work

I had a few colleagues surprised when they saw me back in office today.

The various alarmed responses were:
"Aren't you supposed to be on Leave of Absence?!"
"Why are you back?!"
"How come you can come back?!"
"Didn't you see the latest email alert about H1N1?!"

My responses:
"No, I don't need to be on LOA."
"I am back to work"
"Why I cannot come back?"
"Yes, but it doesn't apply to me because I was back before the alert came out"
"COUGH, COUGH, COUGH (sound)"

I could see them paled significantly when I "coughed". It was only when I started laughing that they realised I was pulling their legs hahaha. :P

Work from Home, Stay at Home

I decided to work from home today since I just came back yesterday from Phuket, Thailand which is one of the affected countries by H1N1 flu. Better be safe than sorry since our centre has plenty of projects with schools.

Already my girls' schools are anxious and have called me up. Juliane's pre-school requested that she be placed on Leave of Absence for 7 days which I can totally understand the pre-school's position. Marieann's school also asked if everyone in the family was feeling alright since our return from Phuket. I told the school not to worry and I would inform them if anything happens and that when Marieann returns to school next Monday, it would have been 7 days too.

So for the next few days, I will be monitoring my temperature as well as the girls' temperature.

A Flu Pandemic

WHO officially declared H1N1 flu (also known as swine flu, A flu) a pandemic on 12 June 2009. It is the first global flu epidemic in 41 years. Although the A flu is not lethal, the virus is still deadly as it could mutate into a more dangerous form. Therefore, we can't be too complacent and must continue to maintain high standards of personal hygiene.

As of today in Singapore, the number of confirmed H1N1 flu cases increased to 47, with the greatest jump of confirmed cases yesterday - 13 cases.

We decided not to take any chances too, especially my father as he is diabetic. My parents and I went for the flu vaccination on Sunday. The girls had taken their shots two weeks earlier. I think we should be fine as we are now vaccinated against flu and as long as we continue to practice good personal hygiene. :)

Singapore's First Case of A Flu (H1N1)

I was at counselling when I received news that Singapore's first case of A Flu (H1N1). Finally, I thought. Well, ever since Malaysia had its first case, it was only a matter of time that Singapore would get its first case of A Flu (H1N1) too. It happened today.

There was no real panic in Singapore because she has been preparing her citizens for the eventuality of a possible outbreak here as well as educating her citizens on how to be socially responsible. The SARS which happened in 2003 has certainly been instrumental in raising our awareness in the current prevention of the spread of A Flu.