Orientation of H1N1 flu outbreak

What's H1N1?

The 2009 outbreak of Influenza A virus subtype H1N1 is an epidemic of a new strain of influenza virus identified in April 2009, commonly referred to as "swine flu." It is thought to be a mutation ("reassortment") of four known strains of influenza A virus subtype H1N1: one endemic in humans, one endemic in birds, and two endemic in pigs (swine).^[72] The source of the outbreak in humans is still unknown, but cases were first discovered in the U.S. and soon after in Mexico, which had a surge of cases, many of them fatal. As a result, the U.N.'s World Health Organization (WHO), along with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), expressed concern that this could become a worldwide flu pandemic, with WHO raising its alert level to "Phase 5" out of the six maximum, indicating that a pandemic was "imminent."

According to the CDC, it is not yet clear how serious this new virus actually is compared with other influenza viruses. What is known, they state, is that because this is a new virus, most people will not have immunity to it, and illness may eventually become more severe and widespread in different population groups as a result. The H1N1 flu mainly spreads in the same way that regular "seasonal influenza" spreads, which is through the air from coughs and sneezes or touching those infected. It cannot be transmitted from eating cooked pork and there are no confirmed cases of anyone becoming infected with this new strain by being in contact with pigs.

As yet there is no vaccine available to prevent infection although companies are in the planning stages for having one available later this year. But there is concern that the virus could mutate again over the coming months, leading to a new and potentially more dangerous flu outbreak later in the year, and a vaccine that will be less effective in preventing its spread.

As of May 24, the virus had spread to more than 40 countries; however, nearly 90% of reported deaths have taken place in Mexico. This has led to speculation that Mexico may have been in the midst of an unrecognized epidemic for many months prior to the current outbreak. According to the CDC, the fact that the flu's infection activity is now monitored more closely may help explain why more flu cases than normal are being recorded in Mexico, the United States and other countries. About half of all influenza viruses being detected so far are the new H1N1 virus, which "experts acknowledge is no worse than seasonal influenza for now."

Because of this outbreak the DOH agency keep on monitoring and alarming people about this deadly virus. First day of class is fast approaching classess on June 1. The Cebu City acting mayor Michael Rama scheduled an orientation to all teacher's of Cebu City Division at Waterfront Hotel.(Social! hehehe) He invited some personnel from Cebu DOH to give us orientation, lecture's and awareness to us. And event the hot scandal issue of Hayden and Katrina was mentioned. LOL!

What I'd noticed during this event most teacher's were not listening coz they're just chatting to their colleages....LOL!!!! I'm one of them! hehehe! The lecture was quite boring and they tought us this chessy song of H1N1 bisaya song. hehehe! For me this event was a waste of time, money and effort. Why time? Instead goin to the event we just did our chores in school. Why money? most of the teacher spend fair for their taxi and jeepney's. Effort? Going there is quite tiring ...ha! LOL!!!

Some pictures I took during the event.