Swine flu factfile - Facts The facts on swine flu:
WHAT IS IT?
Swine influenza is a common and sometimes fatal respiratory disease among pigs, first identified in 1930, that is caused by a Type A influenza virus. Normally the disease is specific only to pigs. But sometimes pigs can harbour more than one flu virus at one time, which enables the pathogens to mix genes. As a result, a new viral strain emerges that can cross the species barrier to humans, starting with people in contact with infected pigs. The latest threat is a strain of the H1N1 type of flu virus.
WHY THE ALARM?
The World Health Organisation (WHO) says the virus can be contagious among humans in close contact and the outbreak has "pandemic potential," meaning there is risk of a spread across regions or continents. In the past century, novel flu viruses have killed tens of millions of people and cost billions of dollars in economic costs. Worries about a new pandemic have focused in recent years on the H5N1 strain of bird flu, which has killed around 250 people since 2003, mainly in Southeast Asia. But H5N1 is hard to transmit among humans, and its threat has been contained by culling infected poultry.
WHAT ABOUT THE UNKNOWNS?
Experts insist there is no certainty that a pandemic will happen or if so that it will be a mass killer. There are many unknowns about the new strain, especially how easily it spreads between people, how virulent it is or could become. Figuring this out will be the work of gene scientists and epidemiologists.
WHICH COUNTRIES ARE MOST AFFECTED?
Mexico is the epicentre of the outbreak, with 103 confirmed and suspected deaths as of Monday and about 400 people hospitalised. In 10 other countries, there have been 57 confirmed or suspected cases, none of them fatal, among people returning from Mexico. The United States has had 20 confirmed cases, Canada six confirmed cases and Spain one case. Several countries from Colombia to New Zealand are investigating suspected cases.
HOW DOES THE VIRUS SPREAD?
Swine flu is thought to spread like typical flu, i.e. in viral particles expelled in coughs and sneezes that are then breathed in by someone nearby, or deposited on surfaces that are then touched by the hand and transmitted to the mouth, nose or eyes. People with the virus may be able to infect others beginning a day before symptoms develop, and up to seven days or more after becoming sick. Young children may be contagious for somewhat longer.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
Sudden fever above 38 degrees Celsius (100.4 degrees Fahrenheit), cough, headache, aching joints, nasal congestion, general fatigue and lack of appetite. Some people who have contracted the virus report runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. In past cases, swine flu has caused pneumonia and respiratory failure and worsened chronic medical conditions.
HAVE THERE BEEN OUTBREAKS IN THE PAST?
From December 2005 through February 2009, only 12 cases of swine flu were reported in the United States. In 1988 a pregnant woman died after contact with sick pigs. In 1976, swine flu at an US military base at Fort Dix, New Jersey killed one soldier. Four were hospitalized with pneumonia. At first, experts feared the strain was related to the Spanish Flu of 1918, which killed millions, but the strain never spread beyond the base.
WHAT TREATMENTS ARE AVAILABLE?
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends oseltamivir (marketed as Tamiflu) and zanamivir (marketed as Relenza) for treating or preventing infection. These drugs work by preventing the virus from reproducing. Most of the previously reported swine flu cases have recovered fully without requiring medical attention and without antiviral medicines.
IS THERE A SWINE FLU VACCINE?
There is a vaccine for pigs, but not for humans. It is unclear whether current "seasonal" vaccines, designed to combat smaller genetic shifts in major strains of flu virus that are in circulation, may provide a shield.
WHAT ARE THE PREVENTATIVE MEASURES?
Public health authorities in many countries have installed classic control measures, screening points of entry and isolating people suspected to have fallen ill. Mexico has ordered the closure of schools and cancelled public gatherings. Individuals can wear a face mask, avoid greeting someone with a kiss or a handshake, wash their hands frequently and clean commonly-touched surfaces such as telephones, door handles, tables and lift buttons.
CAN SWINE FLU BE CAUGHT FROM EATING PORK?
No. The virus is respiratory, and not transmitted by food. Cooking pork to an internal temperature of 71 F (160 C) kills viruses and bacteria.
Thursday, April 23, 2009 '
Sorry for de long wait.... Here are de grp pics we took!
'
I got some photos too!
The group photo!!!
Paul
Wednesday, April 22, 2009 '
Erm Hi, ps, here are some of the pcs from the tree planting thingi, you can kope if you want... Yea. If I have time I'll post the rest yea?
So yea, the formatting sucks too but nvm, delete the post if you think its too ugly ba...
--Charm
Tuesday, April 21, 2009 '
Hey everyone! I'll nid everyone to confirm which date they're free in de june holidays le... Why? Cos dateline coming le so gotta settle it quick. And i dun wan ppl to say they cannot go. Tat's y we ask so early so that we can accommodate everyone's time. So i hope before 1st May, everyone can confirm wif me when they free hor.
-Have fun planting tree tmr! Rong Wei (^@^)
Monday, April 20, 2009 '
Details of tree planting on wednesday:
Date: Wed, 22 April 2009
Time: 4pm
Venue: Piai Plaza, Pasir Ris Park (Carpark B).
there should be a printed copy tmr. ask for ito photocopy if you want.
Monday, April 13, 2009 '
Tree planting - anyone?
You can donate a tree . . . or more than one tree. Your donation for a sapling - a young tree - can be planted on one of our tree planting days in our parks or nature reserves. Our hope is for the programme to be more than just a donation - it's your contribution to improve the environment. When will it be? What kind of trees will be planted? Tree-planting days will generally be on the last Sunday of each month, or on special days like World Environment Day or Earth Day.
The trees planted will be tropical trees that belong in our part of the world. If it's your family, your school, or a group of you who are making the donation, we hope you will all plant the trees personally. However, if your schedule doesn't allow, we will gladly plant your young tree for you. If you'd like to donate a tree you can register with the officers at the i-kiosk in our national parks. Or, to register online, then click here Who can Support this Programme?Anyone can support this programme, from individuals, families, corporations, schools, etc. The Cost?
Hi, just a reminder to file stuff in blue file [English], and ISH thingy.
EDIT: BRING ELIT BOOK IF NEEDED [I think need] FOR READING PROGRAMME TOMORROW [If have]
Saturday, April 11, 2009 '
Please remember to do your Chinese Compo, if we don't hand in on Monday, she will make us do another one again! So do your part and bring the compo on Monday.
Other Homework are important too. So there is Maths WS (Congruency, Similarity), Chinese/English Comprehension.
And quoting from the school website:
Vote for AiJia We are extremely proud of our very own ChuaAiJia (3H) who is now one of the four finalists of Campus Super Star 2009! Multi-talented and a role model to her peers, AiJia has successfully juggled the demands of school and her passion for performing. As she continues her journey to stardom, we would like to invite everyone in the AHS family - partners, staff, students and friends - to stand behind her and shower her with all the support she needs. We are more than just a school, we are a family! So don't let her down, cast your votes during the show on Sunday 8.30pm, 12 April 2009 (Channel U)
And from Mr Patrick Tay:
10 calls only $6 only.....
Wednesday, April 8, 2009 '
To refresh our mind on counting numbers.......
I am going to brainwash you people's mind! hahaha
But of course must have Singapore's one
Paul
Monday, April 6, 2009 '
Upcoming tests/exams
Wednesday, 8 April : Maths test chapter 3,4
Thursday, 16 April : Chinese test chapter 5,6,7,8 谚语 1-20
13 April - 17 April : Report Writing
Tuesday 28 April : English, Chinese Paper 1 (Compo, Situational)
Wednesday - Friday 13 - 15 May : SA1
Paul
Saturday, April 4, 2009 '
Xiao Bai Tu
Hello!
Here's a video on the speak mandarin campaign 2009 by Noemi (little rabbit)
-Amanda
Introduction.
Know us? 2A'09 Rock On!
TOO-AWESOME09 @BS
2A'09 is single/attached to Ms Cai Jun Jun.
Welcome(:
2A'09♥
lovesloves♥
♥
We ♥ 2A'09
We ♥ Our Teachers
Winner,
Achievements! Term One:
♥ Most Creative Class
♥ 2nd in Class Readership- January&February
♥ 2nd in CNY Ecard/DianZiHeKa {Paul}
♥ 2nd in photo taking competition
♥ 3rd in Siow Miow Yew Challenge
♥ 3rd in Notice Board Competition
Term Two:
♥ 1st in Class Readership- March
♥ Our very own tree!
♥ 2nd in Class Readership- April Term Three:
♥ Consolation in National Day essay competition {Li Dan}
♥ 1st in Class Readership- July
♥ Cleanest Class
♥ Most Creative Class
♥ 2nd runner-up in AHS-PSG Bowling Tournament
Shooting Star ,
be the most clever ppl
be the most outstanding class'09
outshine the rest
Top 150 in standard for all 40 students
Win a prize in every inter-class competition
Best in attendance
Readership top 3 every month
Cleanliness
Class of 40
#1- Amanda Ng; Netball
#2- Celine Poh; Infocomm Club
#3- Cerys Ong; Chinese Drama, D&T
#4- Charmaine Boo; Choir
#5- Hannah Chong; Girls' Brigade
#6- Chua Feng Jing; Netball
#7- Chua Lin Jing; Guitar
#8- Eunice Tan; Chinese Orchestra
#9- Hoh Wen Xuan; TableTennis
#10- Jewel Wee; Chinese Orchestra
#11- Berlinda Kok; Choir
#12- Lee Jia Wen; Girl Guides
#13- Daine Loh; English Drama Club
#14- Megan Sarah Low; Girl Guides
#15- Low Xin Jie; Concert Band
#16- Ng Li Ying; Wu Shu
#17- Ng Xi Min; Netball
#18- Ong Xiao Quan; NPCC
#19- Rachel Chia; Girl Guides
#20- Robyn Lim; Harmonica, D&T
#21- Tan Li Dan; English Drama Club
#22- Tan Wei Lin; Girls' Brigade
#23- Tan Xiao Qian; Guitar
#24- Sherry Tay; SJAB
#25- Dionne Teo; Infocomm, D&T
#26- Hazel Ting; Girl Guides
#27- Gloria Wong; Softball
#28- Selina Wong; Girls' Guides
#29- Yun Shu Jun; Chinese Orchestra
#30- Foo Rong Chang; Infocomm
#31- Gabriel Tan; Chinese Orchestra
#32- Joshua Kwah; Choir
#33- Lam Yue Ren; Wushu
#34- Leong Jhun Hoa; Boys' brigade
#35- Daniel Lim; Badminton
#36- Low Chng Kiat; Scouts
#37- Neo Rong Wei; Softball
#38- Ng Paul Seen; Infocomm club, D&T
#39- Dave Sear; Scouts
#40- Wang Xiang; NCC
Teachers♥
Form Teacher: Ms Cai Jun Jun♥
Co-form Teacher: Mrs Phua
HCL Teacher: Ms Cai Jun Jun
English Teacher: Mrs Koh NC
Maths Teacher: Ms Jessica Ng
Science Teacher: Mr Lee Jie Han
History Teacher: Mr Yeow Yong Keng
Geography Teacher: Mrs Koh NC(maybe)
ACC Teacher: Mdm Cheng Jo Yun
Art&Craft Teacher: Mrs Rosemary Neo
HomEc Teachers: Mdm Lur(first half of class); Mrs Phua(second half of class)
Music Teacher: Ms Lee
Malay Teacher: Cikgu Herianty
PE Teacher: Mr Lim
CD Teacher: Yanbing jie
Leaders♥
Student Council:
Chua Lin Jing
Hannah Chong
Low Xin Jie
Tan Lidan
Selina Wong
Yun Shu Jun
Daniel Lim
Class Com
Class Chairpersons: Lee Jia Wen; Ng Paul Seen
Secretary: Amanda Ng
Treasurers: Tan Wei Lin & Foo Rong Chang
Welfare I/C: Ng Xi Min & Hazel Ting
Function I/C: Neo Rong Wei & Charmaine Boo
Environment I/C: Chua Feng Jing & Leong Jhun Hoa
NE I/C: Low Chng Kiat & Dave Sear
Reps
HCL REP: Hoh Wen Xuan
Science REP: Megan Low & Sherry Tay
English REP: Gloria Wong
History REP: Cerys Ong
Maths REP: Celine Poh
IT REP: Gabriel Tan & Ong Xiao Quan
Music REP: Ng Li Ying
Home Econs REP: Rachel Chia & Jewel Wee
Malay REP: -NA-
PE REP: Lam Yue Ren
ACC REP: Eunice Tan
Art&Craft REP: Dionne Teo
Geography REP:
