The Best Way of Staying Out of H1N1 Trouble

Blog ni asyik cerita pasal H1N1 je lately kan? kan?.. macam biasa, dapat dari email.. something to think about, huh? Sementelah harga mask pun dah jadik barang kawalan.. I dont how far its true yg katanya asal² 60sen je tup² jadik RM5.. Heee..

THE BEST WAY OF STAYING OUT OF H1N1 TROUBLE


RECENTLY, I saw photos in newspapers showing people wearing "surgical masks" at shopping malls, schools, mamak stalls and other public areas. I have even noticed people wearing them out in the open with no one around.

Because of this, I would like to explain why the mask may do more harm than good.

The H1N1 virus is not airborne. To be considered an airborne virus, the microorganism would have to survive or remain in the air for long periods of time. The H1N1 virus does not stay airborne.

I have noticed many people wearing masks in crowded places. However, places like airports, shopping malls and schools are full of germs and bacteria. If a small amount of bacteria gets into a hole in the mask, you will provide a breeding ground for the bacteria, which may lead to an illness or infection. The moisture you produce in your mask is perfect for bacteria and viruses, and may be a recipe for disaster.

The way to prevent exposure to H1N1 virus is to avoid physical contact with people who may be sick or infected. Also avoid commonly touched surfaces like escalator railings, poles and public toilet doorknobs.

The H1N1 virus usually spreads when someone touches surfaces with the bacteria and then touches his own nose, eyes or mouth.

Washing your hands frequently is the best defense against exposure.

And yes, the virus may travel from point A to point B in the air. But it will drop, not stay airborne.

Wearing a mask is only good at helping you not to spread your illness to others if you are infected.

Source: NST - Letter to Editor on August 7, '09 by Kiang Jau Sang Malacca


ALSO as in memo from Public Health Agency of Canada, which says:

Canadians should continue to take normal precautions to protect themselves as they would from a regular flu. While we are investigating to learn more about how this virus spreads, our best advice is for Canadians to wash their hands frequently, cover coughs and sneezes, and stay home when ill.



The Public Health Agency of Canada does not recommend that members of the general public wear surgical masks to protect against contracting H1N1 Flu Virus. Evidence shows that this is not effective in preventing transmission of influenza in the general public. People often use masks incorrectly, or contaminate themselves when putting masks on and taking them off, which could actually increase the risk of infection.



The exception is people who are ill with H1N1 Flu Virus or people who are exhibiting flu-like symptoms. In order to protect those in close contact, like doctors, nurses, and caregivers at home, these people may be asked to wear a face mask.”

Saya percaya, jika org yang ada simptom², be it batuk ke, selsema ke, demam ke, buat tindakan self-quarantine dan tidak meng'expose'kan diri mereka kepada public, perkara ini (H1N1) dapat dibendung..

Tapi, dalam LRT, yg dok "srott... srott".. dengan tak cover, tak guna tisu bagai.. nampak sangat la ramai lagi yg tidak bertanggungjawab terhadap kepentingan sosial & masyarakat.. wahhh..

Nota kaki: Adakah jalan terbaik ialah dengan memakai disposable gloves? Doc, any advice?