some info, i received today.. tought of sharing it.


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 coming 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 steps - not
fully highlighted in most official communications - can be practiced
(instead of focusing on how to stock N95 or Tamiflu):



1. Frequent hand-washing (well highlighted in all official communications).

2. "Hands-off-the-face" approach. Resist all temptations to touch any
part of face (unless you want to eat, bathe or slap).

3. Gargle twice a day with warm salt water (use Listerine if you
don't trust salt). H1N1 takes 2-3 days after initial infection in the
throat/ nasal cavity to proliferate and show characteristic symptoms.
Simple gargling prevents proliferation. In a way, gargling with salt
water has the same effect on a healthy individual that Tamiflu has on
an infected one. Don't underestimate this simple, inexpensive and
powerful preventative method.

4. Similar to 3 above, clean your nostrils at least once every day
with warm salt water. Not everybody may be good at Jala Neti or Sutra
Neti (very good Yoga asanas to clean nasal cavities), but blowing the
nose hard once a day and swabbing both nostrils with cotton buds
dipped in warm salt water is very effective in bringing down viral
population.

5. Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in Vitamin C
(Amla and other citrus fruits). If you have to supplement with Vitamin
C tablets, make sure that it also has Zinc to boost absorption.

6. Drink as much of warm liquids as you can. Drinking warm liquids
has the same effect as gargling, but in the reverse direction. They
wash off proliferating viruses from the throat into the stomach where
they cannot survive, proliferate or do any harm.

7 Drink water frequently to keep your throat moist all the time


All these are simple ways to prevent, within means of most households,
and certainly much less painful than to wait in long queues outside
public hospitals.

Now I really dont understand. Doctors, can you clarify ada ke tak vaksin for Influenza A (H1N1)?

http://www.h1n1.net.my/

Written by: admin 21/08/2009 09:36:15

“Kempen Klinik Cegah & Rawat Influenza A(H1N1)” (KCRh1n1)

Alriz and Ranbaxy, with the support of MOH, have launched a Campaign to help Malaysian to access to antiviral treatment for Influenza A(H1N1) with greater ease and at lower cost, at the participating private clinics throughout Malaysia.

The Campaign was launched in Kuala Lumpur today by Minister of Health, Dato Sri Liow Tiong Lai.

Under this Campaign, participating clinics can obtain supply of Fluhalt, an Oseltamivir Phosphate capsule manufactured by Ranbaxy at a significantly reduced price.

Oseltamivir Phosphate is an antiviral for prophylaxis and treatment of Influenza A(H1N1). The Ministry of Health recent Guidelines recommended that antiviral be given under the following circumstance:-

Patients with ILI and in the High Risk Group
Patients with fever more than 38°C for two days and above
Patients tested positive with Influenza A.
Public with flu symptoms are advised to seek help from medical doctors.

Alriz and Ranbaxy, will sign up thousand of clinics throughout Malaysia following the launch of the Campaign. A website www.h1n1.net.my have been put in place to provide information to the public on Influenza A(H1N1) as well as to allow public to locate the participating Clinics nearer their respective localities. Educational materials will also be made available at the participating clinics to help public to deal with Influenza A(H1N1).

The Campaign was initiated following the call of the Minister of Health, Dato’ Sri Liow Tiong Lai, for all Malaysian to contribute and participate in stopping the spread of Influenza A(H1N1), which have caused many deaths.

In his speech, Datuk Dr. Rahman Ismail, Managing Director of Alriz Sdn Bhd have commended Ranbaxy (M) Sdn Bhd, for their willingness to participate in this socially benefiting programme by significantly lowered their usual price of the antiviral, to make the Campaign possible. He also commended the efforts and hard work of the Health Minister and his staff in MOH, in dealing with the pandemic. He hope that the doctors in the private clinics and the public will take the Campaign positively, and more doctors in private clinics will come forward to contribute their skill and expertise, to help in the treatment of Influenza A(H1N1) in this pandemic situation. He feels that it would be most difficult, if treatments of Influenza A(H1N1) are left entirely to the public hospitals as the number of patients can overwhelm those hospitals, causing the service standard to drop and difficult for public to seek timely and appropriate treatments.

He further said that the use of antiviral in treatment of influenza is widely practiced oversea, the renowned world opinion is that early treatment of Influenza with antiviral, will help reduce the symptoms, help people to get well sooner as well as reduce chances of causing other complications.

Dato’ Abdullah Mohd Yusof, Chairman of Ranbaxy, informed that his company produced its own API for Oseltamivir. Fluhalt is produced in Malaysia and Ranbaxy is a major supplier of Oseltamivir to Malaysian Government, the product is also exported to many countries oversea. He informed that the supply of the raw material, is becoming more restricted due to increasing demand in the world. However, Ranbaxy has kept some stock for Malaysian needs and his company will also step up the production to help relieve the shortage in the supply of Oseltamivir in Malaysia. There will be adequate supply for the participating clinics of the Campaign with immediate effect.

Minister of Health, YB Dato Sri Liow Tiong Lai, in his speech, praised the efforts of Alriz and Ranbaxy in initiating Klinik Cegah dan Rawat Influenza A(H1N1).”Instead of raising the price, they have agreed with MOH to bring down the price of the antiviral at their own initiatives to help our people in this pandemic situation. They have taken their efforts one step further to organize the private clinics to provide treatment to the public in a well considered approach, using the help of the doctors as well as technology.

Prior to this Campaign, the usual cost for this antiviral drug at the private clinics, is more than RM180.00. As a result of lower supply cost and support from the participating private clinics, the said this antiviral, Fluhalut, Oseltamivir Phospate, will be available to the patients at a reduced price of RM80.00 for a box (10 capsules) at all the participating Clinics. These participating Clinics can be identified by the sign labeled as “ Klinik Cegah dan Rawat Influenza A(H1N1)” displayed at the door of the clinics. The price of RM80.00 is for the antiviral only and does not include consultancy charges of the doctors and charges for other medications.

Dato Sri Liow also encouraged private clinics and hospitals to participate actively in the Campaign, and also to lower treatment charges for patient with ILI where possible, to help the public to cope with Influenza A(H1N1) and also help MOH in fighting Influenza A(H1N1).

“The efforts of the Government in fighting Influenza A(H1N1) will not be spared, the government will continue to give antiviral treatment for the Influenza patients at public hospitals and will continue to do its best”. However, with the current numbers of government’s hospitals and clinics, he said that it is insufficient to treat all the H1N1 patients and other cases. "We have about 7,000 private hospitals and clinics, and if all of them respond to the government’s call, then we will have a very strong force to face the pandemic and further control the spread of Influenza A(H1N1)" Dato Sri Liow said in his opening speech before officiating the campaign.

20th August 2009

Under this Campaign, participating clinics can obtain supply of Fluhalt, an Oseltamivir Phosphate capsule manufactured by Ranbaxy at a significantly reduced price.

Oseltamivir Phosphate is an antiviral for prophylaxis and treatment of Influenza A(H1N1).[color="#FF0000"][/color]


my understanding would be:

currently the antiviral drug is only available in government hospitals, therefore it is not accessible to many patients who may have H1N1 as some of them might not go to the hospital in view of the long queue and waiting hours. therefore, through this campaign, patients can opt to go to any participating private hospitals and clinics to get treated with oseltamivir instead of going to designated government hospitals

this antiviral Fluhalt, could be the generic form of oseltamivir (Tamiflu), therefore it can be sold cheaper compared to the original drug and made available to more patients


oseltamivir is not the vaccine, it is the antiviral drug. the vaccine for influenza A H1N1 current subtype will only be made available at the end of the year

I also pening...
one day say cannot... one day say can... one day say have... one day say don't have... kempen also not clear... what kempen?

What I understand VAKSIN for H1N1 just found this month and it will take about 3 - 4 months for production and to reach Malaysia.

http://www.baxter.com/about_baxter/press_r..._09-A-H1N1.html


Kempen for orang SIHAT or orang KENA H1N1?

BTW, last week I take (antiflu/antiviral not sure.. will check the box later) jab from private clinic RM75.
Any doctor here manage to have spare Tamiflu?

Tamiflu/anti-viral=RM190 for a 5day course.It's expensive...

Dr Cue type faster few minutes than me.....

Fluhalt? RM80 per box (for how many days)

Guys please understand that we r facing a new pandemic n everything is '1st timer'...
It's just like for those who are married...remember d first time u did it? were u fumbling n not sure?
it's d same thing....
H1N1 is an ongoing issue n d guidelines for treatment has been changed for god knows how many times.....
many medical practitioners are/were confused and some still are....
so wat goes summore for the public?

Oseltamivir is proven for treatment of H1N1 but NOT proven for prophylaxis purposes...
Up 2 now there is NO vaccine yet...
the current practice is actually to supply oseltamivir to virtually ALL those with ILI symptoms...
in an effort to stop/slow down spread of H1N1...
but risking d development of oseltamivir resistant strain...
that's y now private n GPs r also supplied wif this antiviral....

Tamiflu (oseltamivir) is a new drug, so of course it's expensive...
As i have repeatedly mentioned, please refer to CDC website or our KKM website provided by me in my previous post for accurate information....

Jag... I don't have your hp... please sms to me. Thanks :)

I wish I can give you 3 +reps for your contributions in this important thread... but I think 1 will do :)

Thanks for all your posts here, Jag.

PUTRAJAYA: The SMK USJ 12 teacher who died on Aug 19 has been confirmed to have died of influenza A (H1N1), said Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.

With this, the death toll now has increased to 69, he said, adding that private clinics and hospitals must expedite diagnosis and treatment

What I heard the Medical Personnel can't cope with the proper diagnosis

Today Monday another Toddler became victim. This brings it to 70 fatalities.

The fatality numbers seemed to have plateaued over d past few days....
Hopefully it has reached its peak.........
But there r rumours running around that there may b a second wave of H1N1 attack coming around October.............
We might be wiped out totally then..................

I heard over the news 2 days ago that the virus hv attacked turkies, if so this X'mas no turkey meal for friends celebrating

It looks as though we hv another casualty yesterday....bringing the total to 71

WHO WARNING The World Health Organisation has warned of a severe form of H1N1 where the virus attacks the lungs straight and causing illness in otherwise healthy people. WHO said the spreading is at unbelievable rate and M'sians are taking the threat likely. (Star)!!!!:ermm: I heard the vaccines are coming in sooner..Calling Docs..any idea how soon is soon...When wl all be able to get them..What Price.

Another confirmed death on H1N1. Victim died mid Aug. in Malacca GH. Jag you know anything about it. Male 40+

I lost count oledi for quite some time.....think Malacca GH alone has about 10-15 deaths (accumulatively) out of d total number of deaths in Malaysia....
but it's definitely settling down n hopefully will resolve within d nex few months...
most who died are from d high risk group....

But the Star yesterday reported otherwise...BUT you are right on the Slowing down in Numbers of Casualties..BUT then again maybe sudah Gone ..Post Mortem baru mau buat..It take some time to know..What do you think? :

Many of a time at d time of death there was no confirmation yet as d H1N1 viral throat swab for PCR results are not available yet...plus some may need post mortem lung biopsy to confirm presence of H1N1....so at time of death they r not included in d statistics but added on after few days...
that's d reality....

Do you think we M'sians are serious about the H1N1..The Star reported on WHO commented that we are not. What do you think the Govt..especially Health Ministry should do. Hv they done enough.

Hi Bro jaguarah,
Our General hospital used which type of anti viral to treat H1N1 ? Relenza or Tamiflu ?
what is different between this two medicine and which is more effective ?

D government hospitals now have both...
Zanamivir (Relenza) and Oseltamivir (Tamiflu)...
Both r up to this point equally effective in treatment of influenza A H1N1...
Of course there r some differences n criterias involved...

check our cdc website for more details on treatment options....
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/swineflu/recommendations.htm

Since the medicine is quite costly..do Doctors prescribe anyone with ILI or they need to fit certain creteria to get the medication?

all ILI symptoms patients r given antiviral for 5 days...
no matter how expensive is d antiviral it cannot beat d price of losing a life...

from what i know MR 80 per dose for that Zanamivir (Relenza) and Oseltamivir (Tamiflu)...just refer back to my post earlier http://forum.lancerzone.com/index.php?s=&a...st&p=190351..most clinics in Selangor and KV already participate in this to give those shots..

Thanks your information jaguarah....... i full agree above statement .

Casualty - Deaths stands at 73 (Star)

Guys n gals i m glad to announce officially that d H1N1 cases in our nation is showing reducing trend...
The amount of patients ill with suspected H1N1 has reduced gradually over these few weeks...
Nowadays news seem to concentrate more on politics than health (hehe )

Anyway government hospitals now have both oseltamivir n oso zanamivir...
Looking at d rate of H1N1 cases reduction i would say probably by 1-2 months everything will be bec to normal....unless another wave of attack by H1N1 (resistant strain)..then gone case liao...

btw FYI d first batch of H1N1 vaccine will be made available to Malaysians early October...
price wise i m not sure yet....
Just to keep u guys updated...

Praise to the Almighty Lord. Thanks Jag for the update.

My sister's friend died from H1N1 last 2 week in seberang jaya hospital. Furthermore at that time of death, she is pregnant for 7 months. Pitylah, she is only 23 years old.My sister's friend died from H1N1 last 2 week in seberang jaya hospital. Furthermore at that time of death, she is pregnant for 7 months. Pitylah, she is only 23 years old.

Our condolences to Her and Her Family

Doctors since the Vaccine is coming in October ..Any idea on the Pricing...Any idea on Side effects if Any...

Wow Vaccine for H1N1 available in October at RM1,000-00. Saw this on TV. The Health Minister announce thet they are trying to get it lower at around RM500-00. If you hv a family of six..wow a whoopping RM3,000-00. If price still at RM1,000-00 then it is RM6,000-00. Death tol remains at 77.

Cases of suspected H1N1 with ILI symptoms seems to be creeping up again these few days....
no official statistics yet but do take extra precautions n stay away from hospitals as much as u can...
n pray hard....

The vaccine for H1N1 has arrived....
First round will be given to healthcare workers and the frontliners....

I was asked to sign a consent form for the vaccination couple of days back...
heard d vaccine will be available next week....
but wif my cough n cold going on now i think i will just skip it....
whether or not it will b made available to d public is still uncertain...

BUT......wat's d point of giving vaccination when d H1N1 has already quietened down?
many of my colleagues chose not to take d vaccine....
i probably will skip it too if i dun get better by nex week.......

Doc, pls let me know if the vaccination is made available to the public.
Children or infants can take or not?

Jag, wats ur reason for skipping the injection?

first of all, i m not so well recently...initially got fever n cough....
now fever settled but still coughing....
one should not take any vaccination when one's not well....
the other thing....there were reports that this vaccine causes Guillain-Barre-Syndrome (GBS)...
type of acute motor paralysis in certain people when they took d vaccination....
so since i m not well i might as well just skip d vaccination....
taking d fact i most probably already developed immunity myself to H1N1....
since i m in d healthcare directly handling these cases n i m still alive at d point of posting this post...

http://www.bharian.com.my/Current_News/BH/...icle/index_html

guys and gals...pls do take note...it is not over yet...