The H1N1 Scare

My baby was not well since Thursday. We took her immediately to SJCM. With the current scary situation, we felt we should not wait until things get serious.

And I have a strong feelings I was not the only one. We arrived at SJMC around 8 and the ER was packed. They even have to allocate seats outside of the ER and yet these seats are packed.

We have to wait nearly 2 hours before we get to see the doctor. The doctor checked the condition and suspect this is only a normal fever. He gave antibiotics and paracetamol. We were asked to monitor her condition for another 2 days and should this do not improve to take her here again.

Alhamdulilah, she is getting better. Frankly I was really scared and hoping for the best. Whenever the cuties fall sick, I would always wish to take their place.

With that, hope everyone’s weekend is a blast just like mine!!

H1N1 Scare - What you should know and practise

Got this from thestar.com.my, just some info to share with everyone. I'm worried gak, especially for the cuties. Hopefully, all of us will be protected by Allah, Amin........

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.

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 (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: www.who.int

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov

Homeland Security Department: www.dhs.gov

WHO A (H1N1) flu page: http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html

Have a good weekend everyone!!!

Family United!

Yup, our family took the word united to another level. For sickness and health, together.

We were all down with fever and flu. Our trip to clinic got us this, the accummulated medication for everyone.

Guess unity is a good thing if the timing is right huh!

Good book, good company

After my appointment with the doctor, I decided to drive to Subang Parade while waiting for my better half to finish his work. I haven't been eating, no appetite. Went to Kenny Rogers to grab those delicious vanilla muffin and a cup of coffee from Mcd.

I just started with the next Shopaholic series, this one called Shopaholic & Baby. So far, the most intriguing compared to the others that I have read, but then again I said that everytime I start on the new series...

Sometimes, you may have all the friends around you, and yet you just need to be alone, by yourself, to gather some thoughts. Shut everything out, not responding to emails or messages...That's how I feel yesterday, and at the same time I have to restrain myself from shopping. And doing that in a shopping complex!

That's a good personal accomplishment, as far as I am concern.

Report Card Day

I was not well yesterday. Couldn't sleep the whole nite, the usual. So, when I tried to wake up that morning, was so tired and having a splitting headache. Went to see the doctor at a clinic near my house. Got the day off...

Normally, people would go home and sleep...But, not me. Life schedule will continue. I arrived home at 6.30am and continued to make breakfast for the cuties. And today is the report card day! So, sleeping so far is not in the early morning itinerary.

I arrived at the cuties school close to 8am. For this morning, it'll be for my princess and my hero. Alhamdulilah, the result were not that bad. As for my princess, she did very well, she got 2nd in her class and overall standard 4. My hero also did not do too bad, Top 10 in class, but I think he was quite upset since his sister is way better than him...I told him he still have time to improve that during the final term exam and he said that exactly what he'll do. I love to see this kind of healthy competition. I choose not to put pressure on them, for me, we can motivate but the kids have to have their own initiatives as well.

I arrived home around 10am and went straight to bed. My mom told me not to worry about lunch and asked me to rest.

Around 12.30pm. Left for my baby's school. She is in the afternoon session. She had chicken pox during the exam period and took it after everyone else. Since she didn't have the luxury of time, she had to sit for 2-3 papers a day. That was the explanation the teacher gave me as the teacher predicted she got first in her class, instead she got 6 which I think it's good enough.

I still don't feel good, so heading to my personal doctor shortly!

One more down

After baby's encounter with chicken pox, last night it's confirmed that my hero has also been infected. So, a mom got to do what a mom got to do...that is taking care of the kids. And the sick ones would tend to be more challenging.

Took out the calamine lotion and paracetamol. Cooking new diet since they are loads of things that he can't consume for the moment. Such a pity, just when the school holidays started.

My dad and mom would start again with all the petua available. Minum air kelapa and many more. Hopefully he will recover by the time we go for the retreat.

As for me, hope I do well for my exam next week....

Have a good weekend...shall we shop today and mencurah a little bit more of the air tempayan

Rumah Urut

I was not well for the past 2 days. Body aching all over, maybe because not getting enough rest and not eating well.

The family has been very cooperative. My baby, who's down with chicken pox, was given the princess treatment by my princess. Makan pun bersuap...So, seeing that everything is under control, my better half agreed to give me a good massage(real massage yer, no hanky panky!)

Authentic massage requires authentic massage oil, so my better half bought this coconut virgin oil(never knew there's such thing) and gave me a good complete whole body massage. It felt so good, sampai tertidur2...

And then, I slept like a baby the whole night...

Down with Chicken Pox

Nope, not me...

It's my baby....


I thought she was just throwing a tantrum, while visiting Cik Puan Ambang on Saturday. I know she never liked me holding other baby(by the way, Cik Puan Ambang, still waiting the baby's photo, I was so into carrying the baby, lupe nak ambik gambo), jeleslah tu...so she was very moody....


That nite, after the celebration, I felt that her temperature was quite high and I noticed there are some red spots appearing on her forehead. In my heart, I have a strong feeling, its chicken pox.

The next day, after breakfast, we quickly took her to the doctor and confirmed it's chicken pox...

And she is supposed to sit for her mid year exam today. She was quite upset when I told her she can't go to school as this illness is contagious. She keep on chanting, "Mama, baby tak nak dapat kosong".

I took the day half day off today, to see her teacher, to see whether she can still sit for her exam, may be she can be placed in another class.

Am glad when the teacher told me, she can sit for her exam but not today, next week when she is better....

Hope she gets well soon, not used to see her in the "telepek" position...

Feelings

Today's entry will not involve any pictures or what I did for the past few days, but today's entry is to capture the feelings part of me. Yes, I am like other human beings, I do have feelings.

Ilham was sick for the past 5 days and I took 2 days off to take care of him.

As much as a modern person I am, I am a true believer of what you give, you'll get back. And how I treat and behave in front of my kids will be the reflection on how I will b treated later in future. If I don't spend enough time with them, they will be doing the same to me when I am old and if I neglect them, I will be neglected too. That is why if need be, I will leave everything I am doing to be with my kids, that include work, study or whatever commitment. No offence for others, but that is my personal feelings. If I don't take care of them, they won't take care of me...So, when he is sick, I just felt obligated to be with him though my mom told him, she can take care of this, but I am the mother, not my mom. Imagine when I am old and he decided to "outsource" to other people to take care of me!!!

I have more to share and will update later