SWINE FLU

OH SWINE FLU! RUN, RUN, RUN!

Ya, right. All the scare regarding the swine flu. Well, there'e really nothing much to be afraid of, until you get it of course. Today, I feel like a doctor, or just a wannabe. An intro to SWINE FLU XDXD!


What's the difference of swine flu to normal sicknesses? One may ask that.
See, swine flu is caused by influenza virus type A(H1N1). It's also quite comparable to influenza virus type H5N1, or commonly called the avian flu which caused a MAJOR scare a few years back. Dumb arses. The biggest difference, therefore is, that normal sicknesses like sore throat, cough etc. are caused by bacterium like staphylococcus sp., salmonella (non-edible mind you) and the like. While swine flu is caused by virus. BIG DIFFERENCE.


So, what's the big deal? It's only being sick.
WAHAHA! No, absolutely not. While diseases caused by bacterium are easily eradicated by the body's defence mechanism, a virus is definitely going to be very hard to get rid of once it enters the human body. The main reason here is that viruses (all viruses) are protein structures and NOT living things like bacterium. Therefore the body's defence mechanism will identify this virus as "another" normal protein. Bacterium don't stand a chance. The basic structure of a virus is a either a DNA or RNA core encased in a protein membrane. The virus will then enter a host to reproduce. Steps of how a virus TAKES OVER A BODY!

1. The virus enters the body via different methods. (Respiration, open wounds, ingestion, etc.)
2. The virus utilises the cells in the body to reproduce.
(i) The virus enters the host cell.
(ii) The virus then releases it's DNA or RNA that commands the host cell to produce a different
protein structure. (Biology Form 4, recall, recall! XD)
(iii) When the protein structures are finally "ripe", a full blown disease is formed! Voila!
3. So, if you're lucky that you took vaccination early, you have a chance of survival. If not, you still have a chance of survival, though relatively low compared to those who received vaccination.


So, is there a way to prevent myself from getting sick? I'M SCARED!
There are a few basic, basic, BASIC! ways to prevent yourself from getting yourself infected.

1. Keep yourself clean at all times. HANDS especially!!! The fingernails are a great haunt for bacteria and viruses.

2. Abstain from travelling to countries that are currently affected. Promote Malaysia, travel in our country. OMG am I saying this? XD

3. Take vaccination. Although it is not necessary, it wouldn't hurt. Currently there are two types of vaccines that were initially developed to handle the SARS epidemic, but these two vaccines can also handle the A(H1N1) virus, for now that is. These two vaccines come under the name Tamiflu and Relenza. But these won't come cheaply. Follow steps 1 and 2. XD

4. Stay away from people who are sick in body. Even if it's not the A(H1N1) virus, it's better to stay healthy.

5. Take lots of healthy food. VEGETABLES (OMG I can't believe I'm saying this...), plenty of water. Take moderate amounts of meat. Keep your distance between pork products, for now.


So, there is no need to be panic?
Absolutely not! WAHAHA! In all situations, panic is the key to DOOM! Stay calm. Follow instructions of the health officers, though sometimes it can be ridiculous. Read guidelines form the WHO. Whatever it is, just stay calm and all will be OK.

Hmm, the swine flu scare has already taken a toll on the world economy and peace, especially those countries realted to Mexico. Well, that's really much a pain because many countries have banned all imported pork products from Mexico. In recent news reports, China also quarantined Mexican nationals on Chinese ground, saying that move was to prevent the further spread of the virus. Furthermore, most of the Mexican passengers were on the same flight as the Mexican who died in Hong Kong earlier this week, bringing the first case of death caused by this virus to the Asian continent. Is it just discrimination towards Mexicans, or a smart move? It's all up to you to decide.

God bless, see you soon in the next post~~!

I wanted to say this earlier but forgotten to... A little biology to make your life miserable. XD

=CHIcken WINGs=