H1N1... It's Everywhere!

Picked this up from Malaysiakini... according to the President of Malaysian Medical Association, 95% of the influenza-like-illness (ILI) is now due to the H1N1. Question is whether it's the AH1N1. H1N1 is everywhere! And the MOH has also announced that they will not be reporting the number of infections anymore. Another sign that the virus is out of control.There is nothing much the authorities can do to contain it.

This is a rather interesting video which I came across. It is a bit over-sensationalized but it's also rather informative. It was done in response to the H5N1 or avian flu. And oh! Might I also add that it can be rather depressing as well. But I believe we need to understand what we might be up to. And also the adage prepare for the worst, hope for the best.

After all, the Spanish Flu (1918) came in 3 waves and the first wave was relatively mild. The second wave, however, was so lethal that it together with the subsequent 3rd wave (all over a period of 18 months) took tens of millions of lives worldwide. Some estimates put the figure at 80 - 100 million people. It was a flu with a profound virulence; one could die within hours of being struck by it.

We do not know how to handle a pandemic like this, despite the advance technology that we have. Our greed stops us from taking drastic actions to stop the virus in its track. According to the CDC page a person can remain infectious for 8 days or more, 1 day before the onset of fever some more. Sometimes I think, we beget our own destruction cos we don't seem able to make decisions to save ourselves.

What have our authorities done? Basically they've been trying to placate the people. First they say, everyone can ask for a swab to be done. Then they said no. It's just not possible. We've been reading about 1000 people waiting to see the doctor (get their swabs done) at the Sg Buloh Hospital. Don't think so they can cope. So, they tell the people it's okay to go to the GPs....

More recently they said Tamiflu will be supplied to the doctors... Indiscriminate dispensing (which the private practice is apt to do) will only render it useless in time to come. In Mexico and Canada can be bought over the counter it seems. Anyway, with the mutation that is likely to happen as with all the flu viruses, it remains to be seen whether Tamilfu will work. Our DG seems to be making statements like a politician... first no rapid test... now encourage the use of rapid test kits; swinging back and forth. Wonder whether he's eyeing a career in politics and now he's practicing.

Anyway... 95% of flu-like-illness now seems to be caused by the H1N1.... only let's hope there are no other ensuing (and profoundly virulent) waves coming next, if it's the A(H1N1) they mean.

Update (9/8/09): Death toll at 26.These coming from earlier deaths which were not confrimed. And which also means that the number is most likely higher than what is stated.