Protect yourself and others against Swine Flu on the Dubai Metro
Swine flu is on every traveler's mind. One of the easiest ways to contract H1N1 is by using mass transport, or being around crowds of people without protecting yourself. The greatest danger is that people are ignorant of how the Swine Flu virus (H1N1) is transmitted.
According to Dr Millicent Grim from the Gulf Eye Center, the launch of the Dubai Metro system poses a new challenge to the infection of deadly viruses on public transport. Flu viruses are mainly transmitted by touch and then it enters the body through the mucus membranes of the nose and eyes. Practical ways to prevent this is by regular washing of your hands.
How do I know if I have H1N1? If you contracted seasonal influenza ('the flu') you would notice the same symptoms - including cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, fever, chills and fatigue. A significant number of people may also develop diarrhea and vomiting, according to the USA Centers for Disease Control.
With H1N1 infection, you may be ill for a week or longer. During this time, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible so as to prevent spreading the illness. Postpone travel except to get medical care or for other necessities, and do not go to work or school, until at least 24 hours after your fever has stopped (that is, you no longer need fever-reducing medicine). If you need to seek medical care, wear a facemask in the presence of other people, such as while using public transport or sitting in the waiting room. If you cough or sneeze, do so into a tissue, and discard this safely into a waste-bin.
Should you become ill and show any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care urgently:
Children: Troubled or rapid, shallow breathing, skin colour changing to bluish or gray, not drinking enough fluids, persistent or severe vomiting, dull sleepiness, not waking up or not interacting, notable irritability and resistance to being held, flu-like symptoms that may improve, but then return with fever and a worse cough
Adults: Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, chest or abdominal pain or pressure, sudden dizziness, confusion, persistent or severe vomiting, flu-like symptoms that may improve, but then return with fever and a worse cough
As with any other severe disease, early diagnosis and treatment is key in limiting the impact on your life and that of your fellow travelers.
