SWINE FLU –THE FACTS

SWINE FLU –THE FACTS

With the dengue virus scare just ended, the swine flu incidence has flared up in the city. Figure of swine flu cases in Karachi has reached to 10 in recent outbreak. All 5 new confirmed patients are children.Sindh health minister has directed all the doctors to inform health department about these new cases of swine flu. He also directed the authorities concerned to make swine flu Surveillance Cell more.

Swine influenza, or “swine flu”, is a highly contagious acute respiratory disease of pigs, caused by one of several swine influenza A viruses. The virus is spread among pigs by aerosols, direct and indirect contact, and asymptomatic carrier pigs. Outbreaks in pigs occur year round, with an increased incidence in the fall and winter in temperate zones.   Swine influenza viruses are most commonly of the H1N1 subtype, but other subtypes are also circulating in pigs (e.g., H1N2, H3N1, and H3N2).   

Pandemic risk.
It is likely that most of people, especially those who do not have regular contact with pigs, do not have immunity to swine influenza viruses that can prevent the virus infection. If a swine virus establishes efficient human-to human transmission, it can cause an influenza pandemic. The impact of a pandemic caused by such a virus is difficult to predict: it depends on virulence of the virus, existing immunity among people, cross protection by antibodies acquired from seasonal influenza infection and host factors.

Symptoms.

Generally clinical symptoms are similar to seasonal influenza but reported clinical presentation ranges broadly from asymptomatic infection to severe pneumonia resulting in death. Since typical clinical presentation of swine influenza infection in humans resembles seasonal influenza and other acute upper respiratory tract infections, most of the cases have been detected by chance through seasonal influenza surveillance. Mild or asymptomatic cases may have escaped from recognition; therefore the true extent of this disease among humans is unknown. The main symptoms are –

·        Headache.

·        Fever.

·        Soaring Throat.

·        Troublesome breathing.

·        Cough and body ache.

·        Chill, fatigue.

·        Abdominal pain.

·        Diarrhea.

·        Severe vomiting as shown in common flu.

Serious signs of Swine Flu –

·        Worse cough.

·        Pneumonia.

·        Pain or Pressure in Chest.

·        Rapid breathing.

·        Number of heart beats – 100 ore more.

·        Bluish or grey skin colour.

·        Low blood pressure due to dehydration.

·        No desire of liquid intake.

·        Unable to interact.

·        Dizziness and confusion.

·        Very high body temperature.

·        Respiratory failure.

Precaution

It is a communicable disease which spreads through sputum, saliva, nasal discharge and sneezing of confirmed infected person.

The following precautionary measures must be taken, to minimize the chances of getting infected with Swine flu;

1. People showing flu like symptoms such as fever, cough, running nose and
difficulty in breathing should be allowed to stay at home for a period of 7 to 10 days and
consult your nearest medical practitioner.

2. Avoid contact with the pigs (swine). If you have pigs in your area then please inform the local municipal office so that they can take care of those pigs by keeping them isolated.

3. Keep a distance of minimum 6 feet from people affected with Catarrh, Cough and Fever.

4. Swine flu is communicable disease, so use the face masks to protect from
the swine flu antigens.

5. Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using one time disposable
tissue paper when possible.

6. Avoid shaking hands, embracing and visiting the congested places and also
crowded places like theaters, this can be a cause of spreading ground for Swine flu.

7. Wash your hands frequently with soap or diluted water of dettol at least 6-8
times a day to reduce the spread of virus.

8. Instruct the above points to children as they may be victimized easily with the Swine flu.

9. Avoid eating outside food because it may be contaminated and may make you
infected with the virus.

10. Don’t use the public urinals because many people spit there,
which could lead to the spreading of the disease.

11. Use boiled water only to Drink.

12. Good food, clean living, rest and exercise are the basic ingredients.
There are certain nutrients that have been shown to strengthen immune system,
such as echinacea, vitamins C, E, beta carotene, zinc, and elderberries.

Swine flu threat to Pakistan  

During the resent outbreak Pakistan has started taking preventive measures to turn away the threat of Swine flu. Airport authorities are at high-alert and NIH (National Institute of Health) is constantly updating itself, by keeping in-touch with WHO, regarding this issue. Airport authorities have been directed to conduct screening of passengers.
The Executive Director of National Institutes of Health (NIH) Dr. Birjees Mazhar Kazi told Geo News that in accordance with WHO guidelines, countrywide preventative measures have been taken against all types of influenza, Congo virus and other diseases. 
Surveillance cells

The provincial health department has established two surveillance cells, one in Civil Hospital Karachi and other in Hyderabad to monitor the cases of swine flu and collecting data. 

Transmission

Transmission between pigs

Influenza is quite common in pigs. The main route of transmission is through direct contact between infected and uninfected animals. These close contacts are particularly common during animal transport. The direct transfer of the virus probably occurs either by pigs touching noses, or through dried mucus. Airborne transmissions through the aerosols produced by pigs coughing or sneezing are also an important means of infection.  

Transmission to humans

People who work with poultry and swine, especially people with intense exposures, are at increased risk.Other professions at particular risk of infection are veterinarians and meat processing workers, although the risk of infection for both of these groups is lower than that of farm workers.

 Prevention of swine influenza

Prevention of swine influenza has three components:

·        Prevention in swine,

·        Prevention of transmission to humans,

·          Prevention of its spread among humans.

 In swine

Methods of preventing the spread of influenza among swine include

·        Facility management,

·        Herd management,

·        Vaccination   

Facility management includes using disinfectants and ambient temperature to control virus in the environment. The virus is unlikely to survive outside living cells for more than two weeks, except in cold (but above freezing) conditions and it is readily inactivated by disinfectants. Herd management includes not adding pigs carrying influenza to herds that have not been exposed to the virus.

Prevention of pig to human transmission

The transmission from swine to human is believed to occur mainly in swine farms where farmers are in close contact with live pigs. Although strains of swine influenza are usually not able to infect humans this may occasionally happen, so farmers and veterinarians are encouraged to use a facemask when dealing with infected animals.   Risk factors that may contribute to swine-to-human transmission include smoking and, especially, not wearing gloves when working with sick animals—thereby increasing the likelihood of subsequent hand-to-eye, hand-to-nose or hand-to-mouth transmission

Prevention of human to human transmission

Influenza spreads between humans when infected people cough or sneeze, then other people breathe in the virus or touch something with the virus on it and then touch their own face “Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way."  Swine flu cannot be spread by pork products, since the virus is not transmitted through food. The swine flu in humans is most contagious during the first five days of the illness although some people, most commonly children, can remain contagious for up to ten days.  

 

High-risk groups 

Some people are more at risk of complications if they catch flu. People are particularly vulnerable if they have:

·         Chronic (long-term) lung disease.

·         Chronic heart disease.

·         Chronic kidney disease.

·         Chronic liver disease.

·         Chronic neurological disease (neurological disorders include motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease).

·         Immunosuppressant (whether caused by disease or treatment).

·         Diabetes mellitus.

Also at risk are:

·         patients who have had drug treatment for asthma in the past three years

·         pregnant women

·         people aged 65 and over

 Advice to school

·        Stay home when sick.

·        Separate ill students and staff.  

·        Hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette.

·        Routine cleaning.  

·        Early treatment of high-risk students and staff.  

·        Consideration of selective school dismissal.  

 The CDC may recommend additional measures to help protect students and staff if global and national assessments indicate that influenza is causing more severe disease. In addition, local health and education officials may elect to implement some of these additional measures.  

·                          Active screening.  

·                          High-risk students and staff members stay home.    

·                          Students with ill household members stay home.

·                          Increase distance between people at schools.

·                          Extend the period for ill people to stay home .

Infectious Period

Persons with swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection should be considered potentially contagious for up to 7 days following illness onset. Persons who continue to be ill longer than 7 days after illness onset should be considered potentially contagious until symptoms have resolved. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods. The duration of infectiousness might vary by swine influenza A (H1N1) virus strain. Non-hospitalized ill persons who are a confirmed or suspected case of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection are recommended to stay at home (voluntary isolation) for at least the first 7 days after illness onset except to seek medical care.

Recommendations for public health personnel

For interviews of healthy individuals (i.e. without a current respiratory illness), including close contacts of cases of confirmed swine influenza virus infection, no personal protective equipment or antiviral chemoprophylaxis is needed.  

For interviews of  ill, suspected or confirmed swine influenza A virus case, the following is recommended:

·                          Keep a distance of at least 6 feet from the ill person; or

·                          Personal protective equipment: fit-tested N95 respirator [if unavailable, wear a medical (surgical mask)].

For collecting respiratory specimens from ill confirmed or suspected swine influenza A virus case, the following is recommended:

·                          Personal protective equipment: fit-tested disposable N95 respirator [if unavailable, wear a medical (surgical mask)], disposable gloves, gown, and goggles.

·                          When completed, place all PPE in a biohazard bag for appropriate disposal.

·                          Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water or alcohol-based hand gel.

Swine Flu Vaccine

As the swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is a new virus, no swine flu vaccine was immediately available to prevent infections.

And unfortunately, the seasonal flu vaccine that many of us receive will not provide any protection against the swine flu virus.

A vaccine has been developed, tested, and now FDA approved and an increasing supply of doses are arriving at doctor's office and clinics to help prevent infections from the 2009 H1N1 strain of the flu.

CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends that swine flu vaccine should first go to:

·                         Pregnant women

·                         Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age

·                         Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel

·                         All children and young adults from 6 months through 24 years of age, and

·                         Persons aged 25 through 64 years who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza.

CONCLUSION

People showing flu like symptoms such as fever, cough, running nose and difficulty in breathing should be allowed to stay at home for a period of 7 to 10 days.

There is no need to worry a lot as the Swine flu is curable. As suggested by elders that prevention is better than cure, so the  precautionary measures must be  followed strictly to minimize the chances of getting infected with Swine flu.

Zune on Windows Phone 7 at CES 2011

Regards
Raheel

Boys & Girls Club Experiences Kinect, Surface at CES 2011

Elements of HTML5

Introduction to HTML5

Since 2004, the future of web development known as HTML 5 (or sometimes Web Applications 1.0) has been envisioned, discussed and re-envisioned over and over again. Here we will take a look at some of the current highlights and help you envision how they may one day affect your web development.

The Foundation

There are several aspects of HTML that HTML 5 is designed to improve on. First and foremost, it is intended to have a much more defined and explicit structure. It was decided early on that a basic page structure was needed. What that will eventually mean for the average web developer is that you will have to spend less time worrying about how a HTML element is going to render in IE versus Firefox versus Safari versus Opera versus … you get the idea. Of course, you will never completely eliminate variances between browsers but I, for one, am looking forward to a significant reduction. Another goal is to make HTML much more web application friendly by including web application APIs. Lastly, because of the increasing demand for media, tags like the <audio> tag will allow developers to be able to quickly embed an audio file with a definition that looks as simple as <audio src="SomeAudioFile.ogg" controls="controls">Your browser does not support the audio element.</audio>. The text between the tags will cause browsers that don’t understand the <audio> tag to present the text while browsers that do understand the tag will ignore the text between the open and close tags. The controls attribute tells the browser how to handle buttons like play and rewind.

In with the New

There are several new elements coming with HTML 5. I’ll list each one below and give a brief explanation. Hopefully this will give you a good feel for how the web development landscape is changing and how HTML will become much more structured. Please note that some links to working examples can be found below. However, because of the inconsistent implementation of HTML 5 you may have to try different browsers to find one that supports a given element.

• <article> - Pulls and displays content from an external source like a blog or a forum.
• <aside> -Defines some content aside from the content in which it is placed, like a tip or sidebar within and article.
• <audio> -As discussed above this tag allows inclusion of audio.
• <canvas> -Provides a container for the creation of graphics. It requires script that references the tag to actually create the graphic. You can see a simple example here.
• <command> -This allows you to define a command button, radio button or checkbox within a <menu> element.
• <datalist> -This defines a list of options for an for an <input> element. It doesn’t display them but merely defines a list of valid options.
• <details> -Provides a place for details about your document or section of your document like its creation date or purpose.
• <dialog> -Intended to define a conversation. It is a container for the content of the conversation which uses <dd> and <dt> elements to define the structure. Here is an example.
• <embed> -Used to easily embed plug-ins like Flash.
• <figure> -This defines a group of elements. Its intent is to make the content “portable”.
• <footer> -Defines the footer for the document which is usually things like copyright and author.
• <header> -Defines the header for the document.
• <hgroup> -Defines the headings of your document or a section of your document. This includes headings and sub-headings.
• <keygen> -Defines a generated key like a RSA key. The key type is defined with the keytype attribute.
• <mark> -Defines marked text which is simply a new method for highlighting text.
• <meter> -Defines a measurement within a given range like 95 within the numeric range of 1 to 100.
• <nav> -Used to define a navigation section like a block of paging links with previous and next buttons.
• <output> -Defines different types of output like would be generated by a script.
• <progress> -Defines the progress of some function on the page like a JavaScript function that tracks download progress.
• <rp> -Defines what to show in browsers that do not support ruby annotations. This element is used in cooperation with the <rt> element below.
• <rt> -Defines an explanation or pronunciation for ruby annotation characters. Used in cooperation with the <rp> element mentioned above and the <ruby> element mentioned below.
• <ruby> -Defines a ruby annotation (Chinese characters or notes). See this example using <ruby>, <rp> and <rt> elements.
• <section> -Defines sections of a document that are not already predefined like <header> and <footer>.
• <source> -Defines media sources for media elements like <audio> and <video>.
• <time> -Defines a time, date or both.
• <video> -Defines a video using the same base media attributes as other media elements like <audio> as seen in this example

As you can see there are quite a few new elements in HTML 5, some more useful than others. I am especially excited about the media related tags like <audio>, <embed> and <video>. There are also some that I am having trouble envisioning how they will come into play, but I am trying to keep an open mind.

Out with the Old

There is a growing list of elements that will not be supported in HTML 5. I won’t waste space discussing them but here is the list as it stands now:

<acronym> 
<applet> 
<basefont> 
<big> 
<center> 
<font> 
<frame> 
<frameset> 
<noframes> 
<s> 
<strike> 
<tt> 
<u> 
<xmp>

Coming to a Browser near You

With input from gigantic corporations like Apple, Google, IBM, Microsoft, Mozilla, Opera and many more, you might expect that the HTML 5 project could take a while for all parties to come to a consensus on anything. Well, you’d be right. This project is continually evolving and is expected to for the foreseeable future. This is evidenced by the question marks on the HTML 5 specs for all referenced future releases. However, there is some good news. All of the major browsers, i.e. Firefox, Internet Explorer, Opera and Safari, have all started implementing at least some HTML 5. Currently, the leader of the pack is Opera with Safari trailing close behind. As you would expect, though, they are each adopting what they deem appropriate so there is currently little consistency across the browsers.

Conclusion

There is obviously much more to HTML 5 than I have covered here. I just wanted to give you a quick overview of the new elements coming down the pipe. Of course, there are also significant “upgrades” to many HTML 4 elements that I did not discuss here. The most current project specs are housed on the w3c.org website if you are inclined to sift through them yourself.

Regards
Raheel

Motorola reveals iPad-rival Xoom tablet

Motorola today revealed its new Android-based Xoom tablet, which the company hopes will dethrone Apple's iPad in this fast-growing market segment.
The Xoom betters the iPad in some ways--it comes standard with front- and rear-facing cameras, including one that can record in HD, compared with none in the current version of the iPad. It also boasts a larger screen with a higher resolution, supports Adobe Flash, and uses Verizon's network instead of AT&T's.

Motorola Xoom tablet

(Credit: Motorola.com)

It will become the first device to run the latest version of Google's Android operating system, known as Honeycomb. The operating system supports multitasking and has been designed explicitly for tablets.
Motorola Mobility CEO Sanjay Jha told reporters at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas this afternoon that the device will be available in stores in the first quarter of 2011 in 3G form. All of the 3G Xooms "are capable" of being upgraded to 4G later this year, he said.
Jha didn't announce how much the device will cost and Motorola ended the event without taking questions from reporters.
This will be "the most competitive product in the marketplace," Jha predicted. (Motorola recently split into two publicly traded companies, Motorola Mobility Holdings and Motorola Solutions.)
The Xoom (pronounced "zoom") will operate on Verizon Wireless' network and be upgradeable to 4G LTE in the second quarter of the year, with units sold thereafter including 4G by default. It was not immediately clear if a Wi-Fi-only version would be available, but the companies' statement appeared to indicate it would not be, and the photos of the tablet show a Verizon logo on the top right corner.

Jha showed some videos of the tablet in action but told reporters it was still under development and would not be available for hands-on demonstrations today.
In terms of specifications, the Xoom has a dual-core processor with each core running at 1 GHz, a 1280x800 resolution (compared with the iPad's 1024x768), a 10.1-inch 16:10 display (larger than the iPad's 9.7 inches), and supports Google Maps 5.0 with 3D buildings. It can capture 720p video with the rear camera.
Motorola also announced three accessories: a leather case that doubles as a stand, a standard dock for charging and display, and a "speaker HD" dock. The latter includes three USB ports, HDMI output, and built-in speakers. There's also a Bluetooth keyboard, but any should work.
Some of the lingering questions may be answered tomorrow. Verizon's CEO Ivan Seidenberg will be delivering a keynote at 8:30am PT, and Verizon Wireless will hold a press conference at 1 pm PT.
Meanwhile, expect to see other Android-based tablets very soon. Also this afternoon, T-Mobile and LG Mobile Phones announced their G-Slate tablet, which will also run Honeycomb on T-Mobile's HSPDA+ 4G network, and be available in the next few months.
Update 8:45 p.m. PT: CNET TV has posted a six-minute video that shows how the Xoom tablet handles tab-based browsing, Google Maps in 3D, e-book reading through Google's marketplace, and movies. Here's Motorola's Xoom Web site. And here's a CNET first take on the G-Slate tablet including a video.

Google Officially Posts Android 3.0 Sneak Peak, Touts “Holographic” UI

If you were on the Internet today, you undoubtedly saw that Google accidentally posted an overview video of Android 3.0 “Honeycomb” on YouTube earlier — then quickly pulled it. Before they did, we were able to record it and grab all the key screenshot of the Tron-like overview. Now Google has officially reposted the video, as well as a brief overview of Android 3.0 on their mobile blog.
Google was clearly waiting for the OS to be previewed at CES in Las Vegas. Now that it has, here’s what they have to say:

Honeycomb is the next version of the Android platform, designed from the ground up for devices with larger screen sizes, particularly tablets. We’ve spent a lot of time refining the user experience in Honeycomb, and we’ve developed a brand new, truly virtual and holographic user interface. Many of Android’s existing features will really shine on Honeycomb: refined multi-tasking, elegant notifications, access to over 100,000 apps on Android Market, home screen customization with a new 3D experience and redesigned widgets that are richer and more interactive. We’ve also made some powerful upgrades to the web browser, including tabbed browsing, form auto-fill, syncing with your Google Chrome bookmarks, and incognito mode for private browsing.

We first reported on Google working on this completely revamped UI for Android back in June. At the time, they were aiming for the 2.3 “Gingerbread” release, but that was pushed — to what you see here in 3.0.
At first glance, this UI looks impressive, and an improvement over what Android has looked like until now. And that is particularly important if Google is going compete with the iPad and attempt to own the tablet space in the same way that they have the smartphone space this year.
Personally, I think I’m most excited for the true Chrome-like tabbed browsing. Obviously, Google says to stay tuned for more, as Honeycomb isn’t expect to hit until later this year.

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CrunchBase Information

Android

Company:	Google
Website:	code.google.com/android

Android is a software platform for mobile devices based on the Linux operating system and developed by Google and the Open Handset Alliance. It allows developers to write managed code in Java that utilizes… Learn More

5th Gen iPhone 5 Specs and Release Date On 2011

With the previous rumour of iPhone 5,here’s another one has added.This time the release date of the device.Release date of this device is rumored to be in January 2011. However, there were also some ongoing rumors that it will be in June 2011 instead.


If we recap i think you can remember.Apple has faced several problems such as retina display discoloration and reception problems with the iPhone 4 when it was launched.
According to some rumors, the iPhone 5 promises a faster mobile internet, better receptions and more enhanced features that will surely make its users satisfied and happy.
Some of the expected features include the following:
* Face Recognition feature
* Video Chat on 3G and 4G
* An OLED screen
* Wireless Sync with Apple’s very popular iTunes
* Built-in GPS
* Longer battery life
* HD audio feature
* A scratch proof and shock-proof screen
In addition to this, there were also some rumors that Verizon Wireless is also currently testing a CDMA version of the iPhone 5 and also confirmed that they are trying to make some network changes in order to bring the said iPhone to their network.
Apple has not yet made any official announcement yet regarding this upcoming smartphone.