The rising numbers of swine flu cases mean trying to contain the virus is no longer an option, the UK government says. The emergency response would now move to a new “treatment” phase across the UK as there may soon be 100,000 new cases a day as cases are currently doubling each week.
It means anti-flu drugs will no longer be given to the close contacts of those infected nor will lab testing be done to confirm cases. The move has been made to relieve the pressure on the health service.. The announcement, which comes into effect immediately, has long been expected. However, it does not mean that the virus is becoming more deadly, just that it can no longer be contained. Following this, the need for lab testing had been lifted in several hotspots , such as London and Glasgow.
Closure of schools will still be an option under the new phase, but shutdown will not be a routine.
WHAT DOES THE NEW PHASE MEAN?
• The so-called treatment phase is effectively an acknowledgement that the virus can no longer be contained.
• Many people reporting symptoms will no longer be tested to relieve the pressure on the health service.
• Instead, if they have uncomplicated symptoms drugs will be arranged for them and they will be told to stay at home.
The above BBC report is in line with the recommendation of the WHO that countries with rapidly rising numbers of cases should now shift from "containment" to "mitigation" strategy to avoid massive strain on health resources. Focus should now be placed on protecting the high risk segment of population, such as pregnant women and the very young and those with underlying medical conditions such as asthma, chronic lung diseases, and immunosuppression .
Malaysia is still in containment phase but it is a matter of time before we too have to progress to mitigation phase like Singapore, Hong Kong and the UK.
It means anti-flu drugs will no longer be given to the close contacts of those infected nor will lab testing be done to confirm cases. The move has been made to relieve the pressure on the health service.. The announcement, which comes into effect immediately, has long been expected. However, it does not mean that the virus is becoming more deadly, just that it can no longer be contained. Following this, the need for lab testing had been lifted in several hotspots , such as London and Glasgow.
Closure of schools will still be an option under the new phase, but shutdown will not be a routine.
WHAT DOES THE NEW PHASE MEAN?
• The so-called treatment phase is effectively an acknowledgement that the virus can no longer be contained.
• Many people reporting symptoms will no longer be tested to relieve the pressure on the health service.
• Instead, if they have uncomplicated symptoms drugs will be arranged for them and they will be told to stay at home.
The above BBC report is in line with the recommendation of the WHO that countries with rapidly rising numbers of cases should now shift from "containment" to "mitigation" strategy to avoid massive strain on health resources. Focus should now be placed on protecting the high risk segment of population, such as pregnant women and the very young and those with underlying medical conditions such as asthma, chronic lung diseases, and immunosuppression .
Malaysia is still in containment phase but it is a matter of time before we too have to progress to mitigation phase like Singapore, Hong Kong and the UK.
Posts
4 comments:
Think about Swine flu, makes me scared. Recently I just go to office and stay at home, these two places. Dare not enough to go other places. I even ta pau for lunch, not eat outside.
Not that bad.Just make sure you practice good personal hygiene.
One out of three people who are infected does not show any signs. About 98% people who are infected recover without any complication.
This flu is risky for people with underlying medical conditions, pregnant women and very young children.
Thanks for the info. Btw, if a person has sore throat, can he/she gargle with salt water? Is this recommended? My mother taught me this and till now still using this method to cure my sore throat. It seems like effective to me.
Yes, always use what is natural as far as possible. Salt water is fine for gargling.. your Mum is right!
Post a Comment