Governments around the world are now scrambling to prevent another pandemic. The new threath is the H1N1, a subtype of the Influenza virus. This virus has already killed hundreds in Mexico since March 2009 and infections of the H1N1 has already been reported in the United States.

Today, the Department of Health (DOH) clarifies that there are no reports yet of swine flu among humans in the Philippines in relation to the outbreak that originated from Mexico and other affected countries.

The DOH is emphasizing that the H1N1 swine flu virus recently discovered in Mexico is an entirely novel strain.  Experts describe it as having an unusual combination of genetic material from pigs, birds and humans which have reassorted and caused the development of the current human H1N1 swine influenza virus.  This is the first time that such a virus has been isolated with evidence of human-to-human transmission.  There is no available vaccine as of yet specific for this virus.

Following the World Health Organization’s (WHO) alert to all its member states on April 25 that  the outbreak has escalated into a “public health emergency of international concern,” the DOH immediately stepped up its surveillance and biosecurity measures in all international and local airports to prevent the entry of the virus, which has now killed 81 individuals in Mexico and possibly infected and unconfirmed number of other individuals in certain parts of other countries like U.S. and Canada.

Pointers to avoid the H1N1 Swine Flu:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
• Wash hands regularly with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid close contact with sick people.
• If sick, self-monitor and stay home from work or school and limit contact with others.
• Consult your doctor immediately should signs and symptoms of flu persist.