Firms start to react as swine-flu fears grow
By Achara DeboonmePublished on May 1, 2009
All of a sudden, a killer flu has shown its face and disrupted normal life all over the world.
Now people in many cities are wearing face masks, hoping those can shield them from the deadly flu that has claimed 160 lives.
Twelve high-school students in Auckland were placed into five-day quarantine after having been identified as confirmed or probable swine-flu victims.
Tokyo is trying to block the swine-flu outbreak by setting up fever clinics. Indonesia and Thailand have advised citizens to avoid travel to Mexico. The good news is China says it has been stockpiling pharmaceuticals - including Tamiflu - against deadly flu.
Thai authorities are also stepping up precautionary measures. People returning from abroad and foreigners visiting Thailand will have to fill out questionnaires about their general health condition. It seems so strange that you can be going about your everyday business, and then this deadly virus can catch you through a simple sneeze.
So it's unsurprising that coal company Banpu has cancelled its trip to Shanghai scheduled for next Thursday.
Participants were told if the trip was only for a mine inspection, it would not hurt to delay it until people felt better about travelling or opening their doors to visitors.
It was also not surprising
that Samitivej Hospital offered something peculiar to reporters and guests attending the launch of its new health programme yesterday.
All of them were encouraged to have a flu shot. If a fever developed after receiving it, as sometimes happens as a mild allergic reaction, they could see a doctor right away.
But there is no vaccine for this new Mexican flu. But at least if these people do not show any symptoms of influenza, they can easily be distinguished from flu victims. But then, guests and reporters could suffer from a flu-like fever after the shot.
Now that the World Health Organisation has stepped up its warning level for swine flu to level 5, we can only expect even stranger things to happen.
Airlines prepared for swine flu
By The NationPublished on May 3, 2009
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) emphasised that airlines are prepared for the heightened level of alert following the World Health Organization's (WHO) decision to move to Phase 5 of its pandemic preparedness plan.
IATA has worked with WHO to prepare guidance materials for front line staff at airlines, including cabin crew, maintenance workers, cleaners, passenger agents and cargo/baggage handlers, the association said in a statement.
"We are following the advice of the World Health Organization. Safety for passengers and crew is our top priority. People getting on planes should be reassured of two things. First, even under normal circumstances, airlines have equipment and measures in place to keep the cabin environment safe. For example modern aircraft have air filtration systems similar to those in hospitals, aircraft are regularly disinfected as part of normal cleaning routines and crew are trained in handling procedures for passengers who might become ill on board aircraft. Secondly, the years of planning for the possibility of avian influenza have prepared the industry to deal efficiently with the unfolding situation by following the recommendations of WHO," said Giovanni Bisignani, IATA's Director General and CEO.
WHO advises there should be no restriction of regular travel or closure of borders. It is considered prudent for people who are ill to delay international travel and for people developing symptoms following international travel to seek medical attention, in line with guidance from national authorities.
"WHO is the global expert. WHO is not advising any travel restrictions. We hope that governments take decisions and coordinate their actions in line with WHO recommendations," said Bisignani.
Some governments, however, are adjusting immigration procedures, which can create confusion for travellers. IATA is collecting new requirements through the IATA Travel Centre. Passengers can get the most up-to-date information on travel documentation requirements at www.iatatravelcentre.com.
By Achara DeboonmePublished on May 1, 2009
All of a sudden, a killer flu has shown its face and disrupted normal life all over the world.
Now people in many cities are wearing face masks, hoping those can shield them from the deadly flu that has claimed 160 lives.
Twelve high-school students in Auckland were placed into five-day quarantine after having been identified as confirmed or probable swine-flu victims.
Tokyo is trying to block the swine-flu outbreak by setting up fever clinics. Indonesia and Thailand have advised citizens to avoid travel to Mexico. The good news is China says it has been stockpiling pharmaceuticals - including Tamiflu - against deadly flu.
Thai authorities are also stepping up precautionary measures. People returning from abroad and foreigners visiting Thailand will have to fill out questionnaires about their general health condition. It seems so strange that you can be going about your everyday business, and then this deadly virus can catch you through a simple sneeze.
So it's unsurprising that coal company Banpu has cancelled its trip to Shanghai scheduled for next Thursday.
Participants were told if the trip was only for a mine inspection, it would not hurt to delay it until people felt better about travelling or opening their doors to visitors.
It was also not surprising
that Samitivej Hospital offered something peculiar to reporters and guests attending the launch of its new health programme yesterday.
All of them were encouraged to have a flu shot. If a fever developed after receiving it, as sometimes happens as a mild allergic reaction, they could see a doctor right away.
But there is no vaccine for this new Mexican flu. But at least if these people do not show any symptoms of influenza, they can easily be distinguished from flu victims. But then, guests and reporters could suffer from a flu-like fever after the shot.
Now that the World Health Organisation has stepped up its warning level for swine flu to level 5, we can only expect even stranger things to happen.
Airlines prepared for swine flu
By The NationPublished on May 3, 2009
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) emphasised that airlines are prepared for the heightened level of alert following the World Health Organization's (WHO) decision to move to Phase 5 of its pandemic preparedness plan.
IATA has worked with WHO to prepare guidance materials for front line staff at airlines, including cabin crew, maintenance workers, cleaners, passenger agents and cargo/baggage handlers, the association said in a statement.
"We are following the advice of the World Health Organization. Safety for passengers and crew is our top priority. People getting on planes should be reassured of two things. First, even under normal circumstances, airlines have equipment and measures in place to keep the cabin environment safe. For example modern aircraft have air filtration systems similar to those in hospitals, aircraft are regularly disinfected as part of normal cleaning routines and crew are trained in handling procedures for passengers who might become ill on board aircraft. Secondly, the years of planning for the possibility of avian influenza have prepared the industry to deal efficiently with the unfolding situation by following the recommendations of WHO," said Giovanni Bisignani, IATA's Director General and CEO.
WHO advises there should be no restriction of regular travel or closure of borders. It is considered prudent for people who are ill to delay international travel and for people developing symptoms following international travel to seek medical attention, in line with guidance from national authorities.
"WHO is the global expert. WHO is not advising any travel restrictions. We hope that governments take decisions and coordinate their actions in line with WHO recommendations," said Bisignani.
Some governments, however, are adjusting immigration procedures, which can create confusion for travellers. IATA is collecting new requirements through the IATA Travel Centre. Passengers can get the most up-to-date information on travel documentation requirements at www.iatatravelcentre.com.
Swine-flu prevention raised to 'maximum'
By THE NATION ON SUNDAY, AGENCIESPublished on May 3, 2009
All visitors, including VIPs, entering Thailand subjected to thermal scanners
Thailand yesterday raised its swine-flu preventive measures to "maximum", with all visitors entering the country subjected to thermal scanners and even dignitaries not exempt.
Deputy Public Health Minister Manit Nopamornbodee said the Public Health Ministry had stepped up surveillance after the first cases of the virus were confirmed in Hong Kong and South Korea on Friday.
He said the six thermal scanners at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport would check every passenger coming through the regional travel hub round the clock.
"After the outbreak [in Asia], we think it's better to do more rather than less. From now on everyone who enters Thailand, no matter how senior they are, will have to pass through a scanner," Manit said, "even a minister or the prime minister himself."
The scanners were turned on 181,713 arriving passengers in the past five days, and 31 were found with high body temperature, but most were later cleared.
Bureau of Epidemiology chief Dr Pasakorn Akarasewi reported that two Thai women in their 40s remained under close surveillance although the initial flu-test results were negative.
Deputy permanent secretary for public health Paijit Warachit said that tomorrow one more ambulance would be sent to the airport so that two would be available.
The Government Pharmaceutical Organisation has been instructed to buy ingredients for oseltamivir to produce two million tablets of the influenza drug. Four million masks are ready for public distribution, and all hospitals nationwide are to set up swine-flu screening centres as was done for bird flu, Paijit added.
Permanent Secretary for Public Health Prat Boonyawongwirot said all passengers from countries at risk would be asked to fill in a questionnaire. All who pass the scanners will get a "health-awarenss card" to watch for flu-like symptoms throughout their first fortnight in Thailand. The ministry has printed one million cards.
Manit said Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya had expressed concern about swine flu and advised the ministry to act with unusual rigour.
Deputy PM Sanan Kachornpra-sart, who chairs a national committee on the "2009 flu", had a meeting at 10.30am yesterday with senior officials including Manit at the Public Health Ministry's swine-flu control centre.
Urging intensive and continuous control, Sanan called for appropriate measures for 14 Thais who are to fly back from Mexico today.
Those who pass thermal scanning and physical examination will be followed by a medical team for a week, he said, and those with high body temperature will be put under close surveillance in hospital.
Sanan said he would contact the Mexican Embassy to arrange for the transportation to Mexico of 20,000-30,000 oseltamivir tablets, which would be initially sufficient for 19,000 patients. He said he would ask the Cabinet when it met on Tuesday to purchase 10 infrared thermo-scanners, which cost Bt1.5 million each, to be installed at borders.
Meanwhile, PM Abhisit Vejjajiva, who is to chair a meeting of health ministers from the 10-member Asean plus Japan, China and South Korea on swine flu on Friday in Bangkok, said the government was closely watching the situation and taking measures to prevent an outbreak.
In related news, Labour Minister Phaithoon Kaeothong said there was no plan to evacuate Thai workers in countries where swine flu had been found. The ministry has put on hold travel abroad by Thai workers until the disease has been contained, he added.
Deputy Public Health Minister Manit Nopamornbodee said the Public Health Ministry had stepped up surveillance after the first cases of the virus were confirmed in Hong Kong and South Korea on Friday.
He said the six thermal scanners at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport would check every passenger coming through the regional travel hub round the clock.
"After the outbreak [in Asia], we think it's better to do more rather than less. From now on everyone who enters Thailand, no matter how senior they are, will have to pass through a scanner," Manit said, "even a minister or the prime minister himself."
The scanners were turned on 181,713 arriving passengers in the past five days, and 31 were found with high body temperature, but most were later cleared.
Bureau of Epidemiology chief Dr Pasakorn Akarasewi reported that two Thai women in their 40s remained under close surveillance although the initial flu-test results were negative.
Deputy permanent secretary for public health Paijit Warachit said that tomorrow one more ambulance would be sent to the airport so that two would be available.
The Government Pharmaceutical Organisation has been instructed to buy ingredients for oseltamivir to produce two million tablets of the influenza drug. Four million masks are ready for public distribution, and all hospitals nationwide are to set up swine-flu screening centres as was done for bird flu, Paijit added.
Permanent Secretary for Public Health Prat Boonyawongwirot said all passengers from countries at risk would be asked to fill in a questionnaire. All who pass the scanners will get a "health-awarenss card" to watch for flu-like symptoms throughout their first fortnight in Thailand. The ministry has printed one million cards.
Manit said Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya had expressed concern about swine flu and advised the ministry to act with unusual rigour.
Deputy PM Sanan Kachornpra-sart, who chairs a national committee on the "2009 flu", had a meeting at 10.30am yesterday with senior officials including Manit at the Public Health Ministry's swine-flu control centre.
Urging intensive and continuous control, Sanan called for appropriate measures for 14 Thais who are to fly back from Mexico today.
Those who pass thermal scanning and physical examination will be followed by a medical team for a week, he said, and those with high body temperature will be put under close surveillance in hospital.
Sanan said he would contact the Mexican Embassy to arrange for the transportation to Mexico of 20,000-30,000 oseltamivir tablets, which would be initially sufficient for 19,000 patients. He said he would ask the Cabinet when it met on Tuesday to purchase 10 infrared thermo-scanners, which cost Bt1.5 million each, to be installed at borders.
Meanwhile, PM Abhisit Vejjajiva, who is to chair a meeting of health ministers from the 10-member Asean plus Japan, China and South Korea on swine flu on Friday in Bangkok, said the government was closely watching the situation and taking measures to prevent an outbreak.
In related news, Labour Minister Phaithoon Kaeothong said there was no plan to evacuate Thai workers in countries where swine flu had been found. The ministry has put on hold travel abroad by Thai workers until the disease has been contained, he added.
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My Reaction
1) As swine-flu has claimed 160 lives until now, many countries are starting to take a prevention plan to protect them from both foreigners or their who are back from other countries.
2) Thai authorities are also stepping up precautionary measures. People returning from abroad and foreigners visiting Thailand will have to fill out questionnaires about their general health condition.
3) Samitivej Hospital has launched the new health programme to encourage people to have a flu shot.
4) So far, there is no vaccine for this new Mexican flu yet.
5) Now the World Health Organization (WHO) has stepped up its warning level for swine flu to level 5.
6) The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is working with WHO to prepare guidance materials for front line staff at airlines.
7) WHO advices there should be no restriction of regular travel or closure of borders, but there are medical preparation for those who get ill after international traveling.
8) Some governments are adjusting immigration procedures, which can create confusion for travelers.
9) The IATA has the most up-to-date information on travel documentation that can be viewed at www.iatatravelcentre.com.
10) After the first cases of the virus were confirmed in Hong Kong and South Korea, Thailand has raised its swine-flu preventive measure to “maximum”.
11) All Visitors entering the country have to go through thermal scanners and there is no exemption for dignitaries.
12) Japan also tripled the medical staffs at airports to check for flu and there have been no report cases of the new flu strain in Japan until now.
1) As swine-flu has claimed 160 lives until now, many countries are starting to take a prevention plan to protect them from both foreigners or their who are back from other countries.
2) Thai authorities are also stepping up precautionary measures. People returning from abroad and foreigners visiting Thailand will have to fill out questionnaires about their general health condition.
3) Samitivej Hospital has launched the new health programme to encourage people to have a flu shot.
4) So far, there is no vaccine for this new Mexican flu yet.
5) Now the World Health Organization (WHO) has stepped up its warning level for swine flu to level 5.
6) The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is working with WHO to prepare guidance materials for front line staff at airlines.
7) WHO advices there should be no restriction of regular travel or closure of borders, but there are medical preparation for those who get ill after international traveling.
8) Some governments are adjusting immigration procedures, which can create confusion for travelers.
9) The IATA has the most up-to-date information on travel documentation that can be viewed at www.iatatravelcentre.com.
10) After the first cases of the virus were confirmed in Hong Kong and South Korea, Thailand has raised its swine-flu preventive measure to “maximum”.
11) All Visitors entering the country have to go through thermal scanners and there is no exemption for dignitaries.
12) Japan also tripled the medical staffs at airports to check for flu and there have been no report cases of the new flu strain in Japan until now.
Conclusion
Since i've heard that there's the new virus called swine-flu, I suddenly thought back when there was a period of bird-flu breakout.
Every kids were told by their parents not to eat chicken or any other food that are made from wings creatures.
This newest flu seems to be more awesome because it's not that you can get this virus from eating pig, but just only go to work as your daily life, you might get infected already.
I can see that many countries has prevention plans to deal with this flu and medical preparation also. Especially countries in Asia that seem to be very vigilant toward this breakout.
The prevention begins since the first step of the flow-in way that the flu can step in the country that is airports.
Eventhough the IATA and WHO asserted that there wll be no restriction but as who will want to go to the country where they wkno there are lots of scanners and health examinations waiting for you?
Due to the previos bird-flu that has occurred before, our country has a very strong and serious measure for this new virus because we've already had well-experiences.
There are lots of medical equipment and machines using for the prevention plan such as these following equipments,
Thermomiters
Masks
Gloves and clothes
You can see more at http://www.medictinedic.com/swineinfluenza/about.html
Anyway, this might be a new era of medical treats as you can see an example of a hospital that has tried to come out with a new idea to have the new health programme according to this situation
or it might be the beginning of a new way for those hospital to gain more income from patients( or just normal people that they can persuade to be thier patients at the end).
Afterall, the most important for people is to have enough knowledge that you should know for protecting yourself from this virus and know how to keep yourself healthy and strong.
Another more important thing is an up-to-date information about the spreading of this flu and get to know what is going on by keeping on track with the news such as entering The Nation newspaper online as I do.
Then, you can breathe more comfortable now that you know what's going on and how well our country has prepared for the situation.
So now, why sitting here wearing the mask?
Go have a piece of pork chop or a rice bowl topped with katsudon ,or yummy pork dish as whatever you like!~
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