The high risk group will include, anyone with any other chronic condition on drug treatment : example, diabetics, patient with heart disease, patient with strokes, patients with renal failure, patient with chronic lung disease, patients with cancers especially those on chemotherapy, chronic rheumatoid arthritis, etc. The list is probably too long to list down. It would need a textbook. But it is safe to assume that if you have a condition with requires and regular drug therapy, you should consider your self at increase risk.
People in the high risk category, if they have any fever for 48 hrs or more should see a doctor, better their own GP, for assessment. This are the people who may need close monitoring, oseltamivir early or antibiotics early, or they may need to be refered for admission. No harm going early to see your GP. The price to pay for going late is too severe. So go early for consultation. Of course, if you have no fever, don't go simply. At this point in time medical clinics and healthcare facilities, are also sources to pick up A H1N1.
For the general public who are NOT in the high risk category, please observe the following. If you cannot remember all the steps, basically, just keep good personal hygiene. Ok, lets go
1. Know that A H1N1 spread by droplet spread. Close contact of any sort ( within arms length ) with anyone is a danger because, we do not know who is a carrier of the virus. So avoid crowded places, unless you really have to, no choice. This would include all forms of public transport, buses, trains, airplanes, lifts, crowded shops, pasar malams, clinics and hospitals, large scale gatherings and events.
2. Wearing a mask helps but does not guaranteer against picking up the virus. It may reduce the infecting dose and give you a milder infection, but it does not avoid it all together. People wearing mask can still get the infection. It helps a little. There is minimal difference between the various brands of mask, which cost various amounts of cash. It may be wiser to change any mask that is wet, or well used.
3. Change your clothes whenever you come in from public places.
4. Clean your hands and areas of your body in contact which public objects during your visit outside and also upon your return home.
5. Drink plenty of fluids.
6. If you have flu or flu-like symptoms, stay at home, drink plenty of fluids, and rest. If the fever does not improve in 48hours, see a doctor.
7. If your fever also causes you to cough severely, resulting in breathlessness, please see a doctors urgently.
8. All flu at this point in time, should be treated as if it is A H1N1. Swab or no swab, makes little difference. Getting you well is the most important.
9. Do not cough or sneeze in public places, if you can help it. If you cant, cover your mouth and nostrils with a piece of paper or tissue and throw the paper / tissue away, once you are done. Handkies are not so hygienic. Of course, do not spit.
10. Do not panic, if you have fever. 99.98% of patients recover. The fatality rate is 0.01% at the moment.
11. Take care of your body at all times. Do not abuse your body.
12. When in doubt seek medical advice.
Please keep good personal hygiene. Keep yourself healthy so that your body resistance is strong. God help us, and see us through this crisis.
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