Everyone is very concerned about the sudden increase of H1N1 cases - and for good reason. It is spreading at an alarming rate - and while I am convinced that the ‘tidak apa’ (lack of concern) attitude of our Ministry of Health is partially to be blamed - I also put the blame on us for not taking every step possible to prevent the spread of the virus to the best of our ability.
Today’s news reports that three experts from the World Health Organisation (WHO) will study the rising mortality rate due to the influenza A(H1N1) in our country Malaysia as the death toll hit 68 today. The WHO experts would also study the spread of the H1N1 at the community level to determine why the virus spread so fast in this country compared with others.
Well, let ME tell you why.
We’re exposed to viruses at all times, but some people seem more susceptible to catching colds or the flu. The following factors have all been associated with impaired immune function and increased risk of catching colds:
* cigarette smoking
* stress
* poor nutrition
* fatigue and lack of sleep
* over-exercising
- Lack of exercise (Moderate exercise can boost immunity)
- We think that it will never happen to us - that it will always be someone else first, the other person.
- Some of us don’t even wash our hands after using the toilet - how to expect us to wash at regular intervals?
- We dismiss our fever/cold as just an ordinary illness and not get it checked - (again, the ‘it won’t happen to me’ attitude)
- We’re placing our ‘hope’ on a cheap face mask thinking it will solve all our problems - with greedy shop owners cashing in on the surge of sales of face masks.
- When we’re ill, we still show up at work.
- We eat/socialize/waste time at weird hours outside more often than being at home - our all famous 24-hour ‘Mamak Culture’.
The Face Mask - a False Sense of Security?
A report by the Centre for Disease Control in Atlanta which says mask-use by either infected patients or health-care personnel does not prevent the transmission of viruses. “While the mask is effective in preventing those already infected with the virus from spreading it, it actually does nothing to prevent healthy people from getting the disease,” said the report.
The surgical mask used most commonly at present acts as protection against the normal influenza and not against the H1N1 virus - so don’t panic and buy your entire family a face mask.
Many of us think that by wearing the face mask… we’re safe. And you know.. isn’t it funny that you will hardly see someone wearing a face mask at your local health clubs - but so many wearers at the shopping mall/bus stop/etc, when in my opinion, if there is ONE place that is absolutely high risk for catching a virus, ANY virus - it is your GYM, where we touch/share machines/equipment/weights (there’s hardly any touching at the shopping malls).
What are the odds of someone coughing at your face compared to touching a contaminated surface (dumbbells, treadmill railings, locker room facilities) and then touching your face/nose, etc?
I read just today that face masks were not as useful as most people think in preventing the spread of the virus. Instead, focus on practising good hygiene, wash your hands often (even when you use the toilet!!) and avoid crowded places such as the upcoming Merdeka Day celebration (which should be cancelled if you ask me).
Dilip Sarda, president, Indian Medical Association (IMA), Pune, agrees. “Multi-layered handkerchiefs or scarves tied tight around the face are more effective than the surgical masks.
Surgical masks do not filter viruses. They only act as a barrier to droplets that are expelled during coughing, sneezing etc. Face masks help stop droplets from being spread by the person wearing them. They also keep splashes or sprays from reaching the mouth and nose of the person wearing the face mask. They are not designed to protect against small particle aerosols that may contain viruses. Source: Centre for Disease Control (CDC)
For those who use the face masks, please know that the masks you use are potential bio-hazards and you are responsible to dispose them properly! Same goes if you dig your nose with a tissue - dispose properly.
If we are going to do something about this… we might as well do something that works. I’d rather invest my money in purchasing alcohol-based sanitizers than to buy an overpriced mask that only gives you a false sense of security.
What would also be great in these times is for the health clubs to station rinse-free/alcohol-based sanitizers on dispensers at convenient locations throughout the gym - not only at the locker rooms.
I don’t want curfews - I don’t want the gyms to close - I don’t want the cinemas to close too! I want go about my everyday routine as usual, and I’m sure you do too. So let’s play our part the best we can.
Disinfect, disinfect, DISINFECT.
*I carry them with me at all times now - disinfecting between Personal Training sessions, and every now and then. As for the masks, I have yet to use them.
So what precautions are YOU taking? Do share.
Read also:
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
I see people around me wearing face masks and I can’t help but think that they’re being so ridiculous. True, the virus is infecting people left, right and centre and there have been deaths because of it. But like what you’ve mentioned, wearing a face mask doesn’t help much.
Imagine someone wearing a mask going into the toilet, do their business and happily exit the restroom without paying a visit to the sink to wash their hands. Ironic isn’t it?
Me? I stash the company-issued mask into my drawer (they will never see the light of day) but the hand sanitizers are on my desk, and in my handbag. They’re very handy indeed (company sponsored too… teeheehee).
until the situation is better, i have stopped going to the gym.. too many risk factors whatever precautions we take.
flu is a type of virus, why would an antibacterial soap and sanitizer helps?
i guess better to be safe than sorry - but looking at how people still frequent the malls, i dont think skipping the gym should be rampant rite?
Unless it’s an excuse to go shopping :-)
Personally i also am highly doubtful of the mask although I see plenty of people using it. Personal hygiene and overall health should be prioritized.
Healthy = stronger immune system
Touch wood and hope this passes quickly
You are right! The face masks are really not a good preventive measure against the H1N1. And yes, gyms are the best place to spread the virus especially when a lot of users over stressed themselves and their immune system drop making them easy targets for the virus!
I agree all health clubs should provide hand sanitizers and in fact, they should the sanitize the machines and weightlifting tools at regular intervals.
A great article, I really like where you’ve mentioned about making sure you ‘focus on practising good hygiene, wash your hands often’
This quick interactive online tutorial might also come in useful in relation to this article as it really highlights the importance of washing & drying your hands properly in order to reduce the spread of bacteria - http://bit.ly/6y63D
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