By Bae Ji-sook Staff Reporter Fears of Influenza A (H1N1) are growing as the death toll from the virus has reached three people. The government has confirmed that more than 3,000 people here have contracted the virus since May. However, health experts say there is nothing to panic about yet. The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) admits that the virus could kill some people in cases in which complications prevail, but says maintaining a certain level of individual hygiene and nutrition could drop the infection rate. Here are some guidelines for prevention from the Ministry for Health, Welfare and Family Affairs. 1. Avoid crowded places Since the virus is transmitted from human to human, the best way to prevent infection is to avoid going to places where patients, or possible patients, gather. "For ordinary healthy people, the virus contraction could mean a simple, serious flu. But certain people could develop complications and become critically ill," Dr. Park Ki-dong at the World Health Organization Western Pacific Region said. Those who are over 65 years old or less than 59 months old are known to be most vulnerable to the virus, according to the ministry. People who have heart, kidney, or liver problems and diabetes patients are also known to be much more susceptible. People with weaker immune systems: those diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or other diseases; those taking steroids or other medicines that weaken the immune system; cancer patients and others, are also exposed to the higher possibility of infection or developing of complications. These people are advised to refrain from going outside or using public transportation, the ministry said. 2. Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. Many people here forget to cover their mouth or nose when coughing or sneezing. But the actions are a main route for virus transmission. Use tissues or handkerchiefs. 3. Strengthen your immune system. Getting ample sleep and exercising for more than 40 minutes five times a week will make you much healthier and stronger, Dr. Kim Kyung-soo of Seoul St. Mary's Hospital said. "Simple leisurely walks or games of football can do that," he said. Kim also advised getting rid of stress. Positive thinking and laughing stimulate the secretion of endorphins and enkephalin, which are known to be "natural pain killers." They also stimulate blood circulation and control hypertension, Kim said. Eating lots of kimchi, broccoli, paprika, asparagus and soy paste is a good way to stay healthy, in terms of food. 4. Most of all, take hygienic measures. Wash your hands as soon as possible after returning from outdoor activities or after meeting people, touching elevator buttons, table edges, door knobs and other objects. Using liquid soaps containing ethanol is recommended. "British researchers found the H1N1 virus to be sterilized when exposed to alcohol for more than 15 seconds. Washing hands with such agents for more than 20 seconds a session can prevent the infection," Kwon Jun-wook, a KCDC official, said. Wear a mask when going outdoors, especially when using public transportation. Also, it's best to keep a distance of more than one meter when talking to other people. 5. Visit a doctor when you have high fever of over 37.8 degrees Celsius. A sore throat, frequent coughing and lethargy are other symptoms that come along with the virus. Report to a nearby public healthcare center or clinic. The ministry has designated 455 hospitals and pharmacies nationwide to focus on treatment and diagnosis of the disease. There, doctors can prescribe the antiviral drug Tamiflu without the confirmation of the contraction. Visit http://www.mw.go.kr/ for the list of clinics nearby. bjs@koreatimes.co.kr |
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