INFLUENZA A (H1N1) HEALTH ADVISORY

1. What is Influenza A (H1N1)?

• Influenza A(H1N1) is caused by a novel virus that resulted from the reassortment of 4 viruses from pigs, human and birds
• It is a new virus causing illness in people
• It was first detected in people in April 2009 in the United States
• This virus is spreading from person-to-person, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread
• There is no vaccine yet to protect humans from this virus
• There are existing and recommended medicines that are effective in treating these Influenza A(H1N1)
• Influenza A(H1N1) can be fatal to humans due to severe respiratory distress (pneumonia)

SIGNS / SYMPTOMS

1. fever
2. chills
3. headache
4. fatigue
5. nasal congestion or runny nose
6. sore throat
7. cough
8. body aches
9. lack of appetite
10. nausea or vomiting
11. diarrhea

INCUBATION PERIOD

• 7 to 10 days from the time of exposure to the first onset of signs and symptoms

MODE OF TRANSMISSION

• Coughing or sneezing by people with influenza

• Touching things with flu viruses on it and then touching one’s mouth, nose or eyes 

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

1. Observe proper personal hygene
*Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
*Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
*Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
2 Increase your body's resistance
* Have at least 8 hours of sleep
* Be physically active
* Manage your stress
* Drink plenty of fluids
* Eat nutitious food, especially fruits and vegetables
3. Social distancing.
* Avoid crowded places
* Avoid close contact with sick people
* Stay home if you are sick until you are free symptoms to prevent the spread of the virus.

WHAT TO DO / WHERE TO GO

* If there is flu like symptoms, consult the doctor immediately
* Report to the proper health authorities:
National Referral Center
Alabang, Muntinlupa, Metro Manila
Tel. No. 809-7599
Sub-National Referral Center
(Luzon and Metro Manila)
* San Lazaro Hospital
Quircada St., Sta. Cruz, Manila
Tel. No. 732-3776 to 78
* Lung Center of the Philippines
Quezon Ave., Quezon City
Tel. No. 924-6101/Fax No.:924-0707

Baby Renz is Ten Month Old

My baby turns ten months last May 24. He is able to crawl with a lot of skill, he can climb stairs, and can stand on his own for a minute or two. He is able to make two to four steps without holding on anything. He already say some words in a coherent way although not very clearly. He seems to understand “Yes” and “No”. He claps his hands when I told him to.

My Baby’s
Motor Skills (10th Month)

He crawls quickly and moves in all directions
He grabs onto small objects such as buttons, and little things on the floor with a lot of precision.
Stands up by with the help of his or her crib or the help of furniture in the house.
Looks for an object he knows is behind him even if he cannot see it.
Plays with two objects, one in each hand.

Visual Development (10th Month)
Follows toys that move with his or her eyes.
Look inside boxes, purses, toys, drawers (be careful with the trashcans)
If something entertains him he will stay attentive for several minutes.

Hearing and Talking Development (10th Month)
He says two or three words in a coherent way although not clearly.
Pays attention when his or her name is said.
Imitates adults voice patterns.
Dances to musical stimulus.
Answers questions with gestures, movements and sounds.

Social and Emotional Development (10th Month)
Understands praise and reprimands.
Stops doing something when you say no.
Follows simple instructions.
Deliberately chooses a toy.
Entertain himself alone for a good while.
Wants to play near daddy and mommy.
Shows preference for some people and stays away from those he or she does not like.
Starts to distinguish “yes” and “no”.

A Letter for My Young Angel

My Dearest Angel,

Everytime I look at you, I see myself years ago. I want to give you advice but I know teens hate it. I want to talk to you heart to heart but I don’t know how to start.
As a teen, I was once like you. But you seem bolder. You are smarter. You are provided with more opportunities to learn…Grab it! You are provided with more resources…use it!
You seem to bother yourself with things that are unimportant, and I guess that's normal for kids of your age. But I wish you could focus more on preparing yourself for your future.
I know you wish to be happy…and it feels good to be loved by someone special. But it would also mean you are closing your doors to others. You have so much ahead of you. Enjoy! Life has a lot more to offer. Open more doors. Discover the rest of the world.
Learn from the mistakes of the past. Life has no rewinds, only fast forwards. You may hurry through life and realize that you have not prepared for it. Take one step at a time.
I don’t want to see you commiting the same mistakes that I did.(It's not that I regret having you, but I wish I had you at the right time. ) I love you, and it would break my heart to see you having to go through the same hardship and difficulties.
Life has a lot more in store for you. Your duty is to be ready for it. Prepare yourself and you will experience a better and happier life.

Love,

Mommy

A Poem For Mothers

Mother o' Mine

If I were hanged on the highest hill,
Mother o' mine, O mother o' mine!
I know whose love would follow me still,
Mother o' mine, O mother o' mine!

If I were drowned in the deepest sea,
Mother o' mine, O mother o' mine!
I know whose tears would come down to me,
Mother o' mine, O mother o' mine!

If I were damned of body and soul,
I know whose prayers would make me whole,
Mother o' mine, O mother o' mine!

Rudyard Kipling