Gk.tips4me.com ISSUE NO 3
17th June 2009

LATEST GLOBAL PANDEMIC:
SWINE FLU - by Rachel Fernandes - Gyaan Guru

With 74 countries reporting 27,737 cases of H1N1 infection resulting in 141 deaths worldwide, the WHO (World Health Organization) declared swine flu as a global pandemic on last Thursday, 12th June 09. This is the first flu pandemic to hit the world leading to such serious consequences, after the Hong Kong flu Pandemic that hit the world in 1968. Come, let us get informed about this dangerous flu, its causes, preventive measures and more.

What is Swine Flu?
Swine flu, or influenza A (H1N1), is a respiratory disease that infects pigs and is caused by a flu virus. Until now it had not normally infected humans, but recently the H1N1 virus jumped from pigs to humans in Mexico and then gradually spread to around 53 countries including India, the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, New Zealand and Japan.

Why is it dangerous?
It is a new virus that is spreading rapidly and no one has immunity to it yet. Also, there is no definitive cure yet. This is the prime reason because of which WHO fears that it could infect one third of the world's population within a year.

How it spreads?
Flu viruses are made up of tiny particles that spread through the droplets that come out of one's nose and mouth when he/she coughs or sneezes. These droplets spread easily, exposing others at the risk of breathing them in.

It can also easily spread from one's hand to any hard surfaces that the person touches. Everyday items such as door handles, computer keyboards, mobile and ordinary phones and the TV remote control are all common surfaces where flu viruses can be found.
If other people touch these surfaces and then touch their faces, the germs can enter their systems and they can become infected.

Symptoms
Symptoms of swine flu in humans are similar to those produced by standard, seasonal flu.
These include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, chills, fatigue and in some case diarrhea and nausea.

Though it may not be perceived as a serious threat but even seasonal flu often poses a serious threat to public health: each year it kills 250,000 - 500,000 around the world.

Can it be cured?
Two drugs commonly used to treat flu, Tamiflu and Relenza can be effective but these drugs must be used at an early stage for relevant results. The flu is also said to respond well to anti-viral drug Oseltamivir.

It is mandatory to seek medical help if you feel you could be infected with the said virus, instead of popping pills yourself.

Necessary precautions
General infection control practices and good hygiene help to reduce transmission of all viruses, including the human swine influenza.

One should cover his nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, and use a tissue when possible and dispose it promptly. This can minimize transmission of the virus.

When taking care of someone with a flu-like illness, a mask should be worn to cover the nose and mouth to reduce the risk of transmission.

One must wash hands with soap and hot water or a sanitizer gel as often as possible.

The bottom line is that like any other flu, Swine flu is avoidable if good hygiene standards are maintained and some basic precautions are taken.


Have a nice day,

Tips4Me Team

Rachel Fernandes is an avid reader, with an interest in a variety of topics ranging from bollywood to politics. It is this interest that leads to her pursuit of knowledge.

low cal.diet

low calorie food -enjoy
Low calorie food
Portion size *
100 grams (3.5 oz)
energy content

Beans mung dried boiled
100 cals 100 cals Low
Beans runner boiled
15 cals 25 cals Very low
Broccoli 20 cals 30 cals Very low
Brussels sprouts 20 cals 32 cals Low
Canderel sweetener 10 cals / tablet - Low
Cottage cheese low fat 80 cals 80 cals Low
Fish any white fresh poached 150-200 / fillet 110 cals Low
Fromage Frais low fat 65 cals 55 cals Low-Med
Hunts bitter lemon drink 2 (125ml) 1 cal Low-Med
Hunts bitter Ginger ale drink 2 (125ml) 1 cal Low
Hunts bitter orange drink 2 (125ml) 1 cal Low
Lentils 70 cals 50 cals Low
Macaroni (boiled) 238 cals (250g) 95 cals Low
Mayonnaise weight watchers 45 cals (1 Tbsp ) 300 cals Lowe
Muesli sugar-free 180 cals (50g) 360 cals Low
Noodles (boiled) 175 cals (250g) 70 cals Low
Pasta ( normal boiled ) 330 cals (300g) 110 cals Low
Pasta (wholemeal boiled ) 315 cals (300g) 105 cals Low
Peas chick boiled 115 cals 115 cals Low
Porridge oats (with water) 193 cals (350g) 55 cals Low
Potatoes (boiled) 210 cals (300g) 70 cals Low
Rice (white long grain) 420 cals (300g) 140 cals Low
Rice ( Brown ) 405 cals (300g) 135 cals Low
Spaghetti (boiled) 303 cals (300g) 101 cals Low
Tofu 90 cals 73 cals Low
Yogurt virtually fat-free 50 cals (1 small pot) 40 cals Low

Sahir Ludhianvi's original poem:

Kabhi Kabhi mere dil mein khayaal aataa hai
Ki zindagi teri zulfon ki narm chhaaon mein
Guzarne paati to shaadaab ho bhi sakti thi ...
Yeh tiraagi jo mere zist ka muqaddar hai
Teri nazar ki shuaon mein kho bhi sakti thi

Ajab na thaa ki main begana-e-alam reh kara
Tere jamaal ki ranaiyon mein kho rehta
Tera gudhdaaz badan, teri nimabaz aankhen
Inhin hasin fasano mein main ho rehta

Pukaratin mujhe jab talkhiyan zamane ki
Tere labon se halavat ke ghunt pe leta
Hayaat chikhti phirti barehana-sar aur main
Ghaneri zulfon ke saaye mein chhup ke ji leta

Magar ye ho na saka
Magar ye ho na saka aur ab ye aalam hai
Ki tu nahin, tera gham teri justaju bhi nahin
Guzar rahi hai kuch is tarah zindagi jaise
Ise kisi ke sahare ki aarzoo bhi nahin................