TAHNIAH DATO' MAZLAN BIN MOHAMAD

16 Jun 2009 - En. Mazlan bin Mohamad telah dikurniakan Darjah Kebesaran Negeri Pahang pada 18 Jun yang akan datang ini dan akan bergelar Dato'Mazlan bin Mohamad.

Tahniah diucapkan.

H1N1

Foreign tourists wearing protective masks stand in the main Zocalo plaza in downtown Mexico City, Monday. (AP Photo/Enric Marti)

Influenza A (H1N1) FAQ

What is the A (H1N1) influenza?
It is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A strains of the influenza virus. It regularly causes high flu outbreaks in pigs but with low death rates. There are four main sub-types of the virus, but the most recent isolated influenza viruses from pigs have been H1N1 viruses.
How does it spread?
Influenza A (H1N1) viruses do not typically infect humans though they do occur through close proximity or contact with infected pigs or contaminated areas. Cases of human-to-human spread have been documented.



What are the symptoms?
The symptoms are similar to those of regular flu:- Fever- Lethargy- Runny nose- Cough- Sore throat- Lack of appetite- Vomiting and diarrhoea in some cases.
How common is the A (H1N1) flu infection in humans?
In the past reports of about one human A(H1N1) flu virus infection had been received every one to two years in the United States. From December 2005 till February 2009, 12 cases have been reported.

Has this strain of flu been seen before?
No. Flu mutates constantly, so it is common for new strains to emerge. Pigs can also be infected with both human and avian influenza, and the current circulating A (H1N1) flu strain appears to contain genetic elements from all three.
Can the A (H1N1) flu be treated with antiviral drugs and flu vaccine?
The A (H1N1) flu is resistant to two common drugs – Amantadine and Rimantadine. The A (H1N1) flu viruses are very different from human H1N1 viruses. Therefore, vaccines for human seasonal flu would not provide protection. However, a “seed vaccine” has been specifically tailored to this swine flu and will be manufactured if officials deem it necessary.

Can people catch A (H1N1) flu by eating pork?
No. The A (H1N1) influenza viruses are not transmitted by food. Eating properly handled and cooked pork and pork products is safe. Cooking pork to an internal temperature of 70ºC and above kills the swine flu virus.
How long is someone with the A (H1N1) flu considered contagious?
People with the A (H1N1) influenza virus infection should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are symptomatic; possibly for up to seven days following the onset of the illness. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods.

What can I do to protect myself from the A (H1N1) flu?
There is no vaccine available right now to protect against the A (H1N1) flu.
However, you can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza by:
- Covering your nose and mouth with a disposable tissue or handkerchief when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the waste basket after you use it.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also helpful
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people. - If you get sick with influenza, stay at home and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
- Consult your nearest healthcare facility if you think you have any of the symptoms.

What precautions are in place in Malaysia?
- The Health Ministry’s operations room in Putrajaya has started a 24-hour monitoring of the situation. The public can call 03-8881 0200/300 for enquiries.
- Those returning from Latin American countries and found to have flu-like symptoms will be quarantined.
- Health Ministry officials are conducting health screenings on passengers arriving from the United States.
- Thermal scanners will be placed at international airports to speed up the screening process for A (H1N1) flu.
- Public and private medical practitioners have been instructed to report to the district health office any patient with influenza-like illnesses or severe pneumonia symptoms and who had travelled to the affected countries after April 17.
- Travel Advisory from the foreign ministry

Where can I get more information?
For more information, go to the Health Ministry (http://www.moh.gov.my/) or call the Ministry's hotline at (03) 8881-0200/300.

Useful Links:Ministry of Foreign Affairs: http://www.kln.gov.my/ World Health Organization: http://www.who.int/ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: http://www.cdc.gov/ Homeland Security Department: http://www.dhs.gov/ WHO A (H1N1) flu page: http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html
Source: http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/4/28/nation/20090428132524&sec=nation

USEFUL CONTACTS

Salam hormat,
Someone - your student, a relative, a friend, or we ourselves - may need help someday ...
Paste it up in the classroom, bedroom, headroom ...

USEFUL CONTACTS
Malaysian AIDS Council : 03-40451033
AIDS Hotline : 03 – 79820996

Alcoholics Anonymous : 03 – 2078 0564

National Autistic Society of Malaysia : 03 – 40223744
Parents Resource of Autism (PRFA) : 03 – 77272060

All Woman’s Action Movement (AWAM) : 03 – 78774221

Alzheimer’s Disease Foundation Malaysia (ADFM) : 03 – 22749060

Malaysia Association for the Blind : 03 – 22722672
Society for the Blind : 03 – 22746162

National Cancer Society : 03 – 26987351
Cancer link Foundation (supportive help for Cancer patients) : 03 – 79579310

Child Abuse – TELEDERA : 1800-889-070 or 03 – 26910292
Child Abuse – General Hospital KL Hotline : 03 – 26929619
Malaysian Council for Child Welfare : 03 - 92850309

YMCA Deaf Club Kuala Lumpur : 03 – 22741439
National Society for the Deaf : 03 – 78809358

Hospice Malaysia – for the terminally ill : 03 – 91333936
Home Nursing Services KL : 03 – 26915858

Legal aid bureau (government) : 03 – 26942700

Rape crisis – University hospital : 03 – 79564422 / 7502507

Source : http://www.befrienders.org.my/useful_contacts.htm

Tips on Filling your Vehicles

14 JUNE 2009 - ONLY BUY OR FILL UP YOUR CAR OR BIKKIE IN THE EARLY MORNING WHEN THE GROUND TEMPERATURE IS STILL COLD. Remember that all service stations have their storage tanks buried below ground. The colder the ground, the denser the fuel, when it gets warmer petrol expands, so buying in the afternoon or in the evening.... your litre is not exactly a litre. In the petroleum business, the specific gravity and the temperature of the petrol, diesel and jet fuel, ethanol and other petroleum products play an important role. A 1 degree rise in temperature is a big deal for this business. But the service stations do not have temperature compensation at the pumps.
WHEN YOU'RE FILLING UP, DO NOT SQUEEZE THE TRIGGER OF THE NOZZLE TO A FAST MODE.
If you look, you will see that the trigger has three (3) stages: low, middle, and high. In slow mode, you should be pumping on low speed, thereby minimizing the vapours that are created, while you are pumping. All hoses at the pump have a vapour return. If you are pumping on the fast rate, some of the liquid that goes to your tank becomes vapour. Those vapours are being sucked up and back into the underground storage tank so you're getting less worth for your money.
ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT TIPS IS TO FILL UP WHEN YOUR TANK IS HALF FULL. The reason for this is, the more fuel you have in your tank, the less air occupying its empty space. Petrol evaporates faster than you can imagine. Petroleum storage tanks have an internal floating roof. This roof serves as zero clearance between the petrol and the atmosphere, so it minimizes the evaporation. Unlike service stations, here where I work, every truck that we load is temperature compensated, so that every litre is actually the exact amount.
ANOTHER REMINDER, IF THERE IS A FUEL TRUCK PUMPING INTO THE STORAGE TANKS, WHEN YOU STOP TO BUY, DO NOT FILL UP - most likely the petrol/diesel is being stirred up as the fuel is being delivered, and you might pick up some of the dirt that normally settles on the bottom. Hope, this will help you get the maximum value for your money.
DO SHARE THESE TIPS WITH OTHERS! LET'S SHARE INFORMATION AND BENEFIT ALL, FOR THE BETTER OF MANKIND.