The AH1N1 is a very dangerous virus which spreads from person-to-person and transmitted very easily. It is commonly known as swine flu and it originated from Mexico during the month of March 2009. Since then it has been spreading to the rest of the world rapidly.
AH1N1 composes five parts of swine, two parts of bird(which makes it spread more easily) and one part of human. It also has "surface proteins" from "swine flu virus" which human antibodies will not recognize. Interestingly, the AH1N1 virus has been mutating(changing) since decades until it reached this present version. This makes it potentially dangerous and still no vaccines are available though productions and testings are being actively done. People who have catched swine flu are being given a treatment based on an effective medecine called "Tamiflu"
The situation evolved at an impressive rate and thus on 11 June 2009, the World Health Organization declared "a pandemic level of six". It also declared that the current situation in the world regarding swine flu is moderate. Currently, 235,936 people are affected by swine flu in the whole world and 2,241 other people have been killed off by the virus.
Let's return back to the situation in Mauritius. Mauritius received it's first case of swine flu from a young French tourist on June 27 2009. Since then, more cases have been detected among the population and sadly Fareedah Jowaheer, aged 51, passed away on August 8 2009 becoming the first victim of the flu. The situation kept on worsening and today five people have died among the 38 cases in the island. The situation will keep on worsening, and authorities expect that around 40% of the population will be affected and around 100 more people will die, given the fact that it's a pandemic and the situation is very bad.
Mauritius is the most affected country in Africa, the cases of death caused by swine flu is indeed worrying. Authorities and doctors are perplex whether the virus has mutate or contains a "hidden dangerous virus" given the fact that several youths have recently died of swine flu. Some doctors are even willing to contribute and make scientific and technical research regarding this unusual dangerous trend.
Schools will remain open in Mauritius. Masques will be made available in all schools of the island. There should be isolation rooms in all schools and no assembly will be held during this period of time. Important informations will thus be given in the classrooms itself. Teachers and students are requested to let proper air ventilation in classrooms. Students and teachers who are ill should remain at home, and in case they fall ill in school, they should be sent back home or the hospital.
Symptoms of swine flu resembles much like normal human flu. They are usually fever, cough, headache, muscle and joint pain, sore throat and runny nose, and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea.
A list of important tips and precautions to be taken during this period of time from the World Health Organisation are below:
- avoid touching your mouth and nose
- clean hands thoroughly with soap and water,
- avoid close contact with people who might be ill
- reduce the time spent in crowded settings if possible
- improve airflow in your living space by opening windows
- practice good health habits including adequate sleep, eating nutritious food, and keeping physically active
- stay at home and keep away from work, school or crowds in case you are ill
- rest and take plenty of fluids in case you are ill
- cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing and, if using tissues, make sure you dispose of them carefully.
- if you do not have a tissue close by when you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth as much as possible with the crook of your elbow
- use a mask to help you contain the spread of droplets when you are around others, but be sure to do so correctly
- inform family and friends about your illness and try to avoid contact with other people
- if possible, contact a health professional before traveling to a health facility to discuss whether a medical examination is necessary