In Health Minster Khaw Boon Wan’s update to Parliament today, he said that the H1N1 prevalence in Singapore should peak within a week or two. This means that if you have flu-like symptoms in the next 2 weeks, there is a high chance of you being infected by H1N1.

So what should you do if you develop flu-like symptoms?

1. Put on a mask.

Put on a mask like Singa

2. If your symptoms are mild, visit your nearest Pandemic Preparedness Clinic (PPC) or polyclinic for initial assessment and treatment. The PPCs are identified by the “H1N1 Ready” symbol. Depending on the severity of their illness and other risk factors, they may be referred to the hospital for further management. The hospitals will increasingly focus on managing more complex cases.

However, if you are pregnant, on active cancer treatment or on kidney dialysis, please contact your regular specialist as the illness may complicate your underlying conditions.

"H1N1 Ready" Symbol

There are a few convenient ways to locate your nearest PPC and they will provide you with the basic information such as address, contact number and location map:

• Online: PPC Website
• Mobile: SMS “CLINIC” to 70550 (Toll-free for M1 and Starhub only). You will receive a SMS with a link to the PPC mobile search site after sending the initial SMS. Data charges are waived for M1 and Starhub users. You will need a 3G or GPRS-enabled mobile phone to use this service. Standard data charges apply for SingTel users.
• iPhone: iHealth SG application. User can use the GPS capability to search for your nearest PPC, which are identified by the “H1N1 ready” symbol in this application. iPhone users can now download the application for free via the iTunes App Store.

3. If you have severe symptoms such as breathlessness and chest pains, please call 995 for an emergency ambulance. The 993 ambulance service for H1N1 suspected cases will cease with effect of 21 Jul 09.

Exercising good hygiene practices

It is important that we exercise good hygiene practices, such as washing our hands and covering the mouth with a tissue when coughing and sneezing.

But have you been washing your hands correctly? View this video to see if you do!

Keeping yourself updated

To keep your self updated on the latest H1N1 developments, I’ve have list 5 ways to keep yourself up to date previously. Read it to find out more!

Ok. H1N1 has finally reached our shores. But don’t be panic cos everything is under control.

Meanwhile, remind yourself to wash your hands by listening to Mr Brown’s “Wash your hands too”! The song confirm will stuck in mind for quite sometime…

1. Local Government Websites

• Ministry of Health, Singapore
• Flu.gov.sg

2. Twitter

• @flusingapore – Flu Update Twitter account by Health Promotion Board
• @sgflu – Ceased operation on 6 May 09
  

3. Local News Sites

• Channel NewsAsia Special Report – Swine Flu
• The Strait Times Online – H1N1 Flu Developments

4. Facebook

• Updates on Influenza A(H1N1) Fan page by Health Promotion Board
• Singapore Swine Flu Front Team (SoSwiFT) group

5. Website

• SwineFlu.sg

If you happened to know other sources on local updates, please leave a comment and I will update accordingly. Cheers!

Edited at 2 May 09, 2254hrs – Added SoSwift Facebook group
Edited at 4 May 09, 1054hrs – Added SwineFlu.sg
Edited at 4 May 09, 1239hrs – Updated HPB with new fan page
Edited at 6 May 09, 1336hrs – @sgflu ceased operation

Did you know that a cough or sneeze that you think is harmless may infect anyone up to 1 metre or more, spreading your flu bug further and faster than you can imagine?

The following are the 3 simple steps that you can take to help prevent the spread of flu:

1. Stay at home – If you are down with flu, rest at home. Going to work only puts others at risk of infection.
2. Wear a mask - If you really have to report for work, spare a thought for others by wearing a mask.
3. Sneeze or Cough into a tissue paper – Minimise the risk of spreading your flu by sneezing or coughing into a tissue papers wherever you are. Throw the tissue in the rubbish bin after you use it.