The Ministry of Health has put Jamaica on a Swine Flu Alert.
This means that all ports of entry to the island, are being watched carefully by Health officials, to identify travellers from Mexico, USA and Canada, who may be infected with the virus.
As such, there have been Health Desks set up at the island's two international airports - The Norman Manley International Airport and the Sangster International Airport, which are being manned by nurses.
What is the Swine Flu and Which Countries Has It Been Spread to?
Swine Flu, a flu virus that usually affects pigs, has been found in people in Mexico, USA, Canada, the UK and New Zealand.
In less than ten (10) days, the virus has spread (via human to human transmission) from Mexico, where the first cases where detected, to as far as New Zealand. Thus causing an outbreak in various countries worldwide.
(So far, there are 1,600 people with the virus, worldwide, with 40 cases in the USA and 103 deaths from the virus, in Mexico.)
The specific type (strain) of virus that has been found in Mexico, is a genetic mixture that has been found in birds, humans and pigs. It's been called the swine flu as this specific strain affects pigs.
What Are the Symptoms of the Swine Flu?
The virus takes four (4) days to develop in humans.
Symptoms are similar to the flu virus and include coughing, sneezing, headaches and body aches, fever, chills, and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea.
How do You Protect Yourself Against Catching the Swine Flu?
To prevent yourself from catching the virus:
1) Try to avoid being around people with flu symptoms
2) Always wash your hands properly...this is especially important if you've been shaking other people's hands.
3) If travelling to a country with infected persons, you may also wear a protective mask that covers your nose and mouth. Have family members,friends and associates wear these as well.
4) If travelling with people with suspected symptoms on a plane, ensure that you check in at the health desks at the airport. If there are none, go immediately to a doctor who can check you out and treat you.
Doing this will prevent you from getting the virus and spreading it unknowingly, to others.
How to Prevent Yourself From Spreading the Swine Flu
To prevent the spread of the virus:
If you or your family are affected:
1) Stay home...do not go to work or to school or to any public gathering place like a church,temple or mosque.
2) Sneeze into the crook of your arm, to prevent further spreading.
(I would like to thank sarihuella for the use of her Flickr inset picture of Mexican police wearing masks to protect against the Swine Flu.)
Gillian
Sources include
1) Article, "Jamaica's Ports on Alert Against Swine Flu", Jamaica Observer, April 27,2009
2) Article,"Understanding Swine Flu Outbreak Questions and Answers", by John Lauerman, Bloomberg News,April 27,2009
3) CNN News, April 27,2009
