p a t c h r i s

Good communications received via e-mail regarding H1N1 prevention: Most N95 respirators are designed to filter 95% particulates of 0.3µ, while the size of H1N1 virus is about 0.1µ. Hence, dependence on N95 to protect against H1N1 is like protecting against rain with an umbrella made of mosquito net. Tamiflu does not kill but prevents H1N1 from further proliferation till the virus limits itself in about 1-2 weeks (its natural cycle). H1N1, like other Influenza A viruses, only infects the upper respiratory tract and proliferates (only) there. The only portals of entry are the nostrils and mouth/throat. In a global epidemic of this nature, it's almost impossible not to come into contact with H1N1 in spite of all precautions. Contact with H1N1 is not so much of a problem as proliferation is. While you are still healthy and not showing any symptoms of H1N1 infection, in order to prevent proliferation, aggravation of symptoms and development of secondary infections, some very simple step...

When children have fever, the doctor will prescribe fever medicine to be consumed within 4 to 6 hours. Normally, the fever will subside, but it will return within 3 to 6 hours. For H1N1 infections, the fever will not subside after taking the medication and will consistently stay at a high temperature for hours. If this condition continues for 48 hours, the possibility that it is an H1N1 infection is very high. In the case of consistent high fever for 48 hours, the doctor should immediately give the patient the H1N1 antiviral treatment, i.e. Tamiflu over a period of 7 days.