[Peter]

Important Community Announcement!!!

Hey Guys,
As Im sure you are all very aware from the media coverage, there has been an outbreak of "Swine Influenza (Flu)", mainly in Mexico with a few reported cases in different countries.

If you experience any of the following symptoms, please see your doctor who will prescribe Anti-Viral medicine which will treat your symptoms. The symptoms include (any, or all) Coughing, Sore Throat, Runny Nose, Respitory Problems, Body Aches, Chills and Fatigue.

If you do experience these symptoms, do NOT attempt to go to work, stay at home, isolated and confined.

This virus is NOT an airbourne virus. It can only be contracted by someone already with the virus! The virus cannot be contracted through food, or food groups. (Yes! You can still eat pork without becoming sick)

Stay Hygenic, wash your hands thouroughly with soap and water when in direct physical contact of another individual. Eat Healthy food groups to ensure that your immune system has the best fighting chance. Don't stress! Stay relaxed and calm.

Please Remember, it IS Flu Season and there are plenty out there. All which have nearly the exact same symptoms. The treatment for all is the same!

IPBHelpers will be monitoring the virus closely and will update you whenever possible.
Stay Safe, and Stay Well.

Peter

[Martin]

Thanks for the notice, Pete. Good information to have...

[Peter]

Update

The current "Swine Influenza (Flu)" virus has stabilized. This however, does NOT mean you are free from the virus!. The virus has been isolated to particular areas.

Please ensure that you continue to keep up proper hygiene practices, at home and work! Remain to eat healthy and stay free from stress.

Continue to stay home from work, or school if you still feel unwell, or have the symptoms. Even, if your in an area that the virus isn't!!!!!

Should you recieve any of the symptoms, continue to see your doctor to recieve Anti-Viral treatment. The symptoms are; Coughing, Sore Throat, Runny Nose, Respitory Problems, Chills, Body Aches and Fatigue.

IPBHelpers will continue to monitor this issue closely, and will update you as much as possible.

If you have any questions, queries or concerns, call your doctor or local hospital - or go to www.cdc.gov
Stay Safe, and Stay Well!

Peter

[Peter]

Frequently Asked Questions

1. All media is saying that the Swine Flu is making a big deal out of this, but IPBHelpers is saying "Don't Worry!". What do I believe?
The media are quite the panic type. They love to make people freak out. The Swine Influenza is currently out there. But there are many other diseases too (which are 10x worse than the swine flu!).

2. Where are currently in a High-Alert Pandemic Phase. Is this Bad?
It is bad, meaning the virus is sweeping across countries and states before boarder control can be initiated. However, again due to the media hype - this Phase will be dropped over the next couple of days. The swine influenza will be about a Phase 1 or 2 (depending on World Health Organisation).

3. Can this "Swine Flu" kill me?
It can, if left un-treated and abused. The treatment for "Swine Influenza" is Anti-Viral medication, such as PaniFlu.

4. So if there's a treatment, why are they trying to make a vaccine?
They are currently creating the "Swine Influenza Vaccine (H1N1)" to help stopping the virus from spreading. Virus can't be killed, however they can be treated. The Vaccine will help stop any re-occurance of the virus.

5. I had a "Swine Influenza" vaccine a few years ago, am I still protected?
No. This strain of swine influenza is different from the previous, as this strain is H1N1. You will still need to be vaccinated when the new vaccine comes out.

6. I never got the virus, do I still need to be vaccinated?
It's not a forced thing, however you are Highly Recommended that you do!!

7. How can I tell the difference from one flu, to the swine flu!
All Flu's have basically the same symptoms. And, believe it or not - they all have rather the same treatment of anti-viral medication. If you do show any signs (of even a normal flu), see your doctor or healthcare professional.

8. I've already had the Flu this season, can I get it again?
You sure can! The flu you have had, would not have been with the same as the Swine Influenza Virus (H1N1), meaning you are not immune to the virus.

I hope this helps,
Please remember to take care and continue to stay safe!

Peter

[Peter]

H1N1 Virus Update

Time For an Update.
As previously mentioned, I have let you know that the virus has been stabalized. I would like to report that there are minimal cases now in the U.S, and the virus seems to be vanishing;

HOWEVER - If you are a Member from Australia (or near abouts), we recommend that you keep up with proper sanitation procedures to stop the spreading of the virus. There are currently 1,300 cases now reported in Australia (mainly in Victoria), and this number is expected to grow!

There is GOOD News, Don't Worry. Australia has the weaker strain of the virus. The moment you recieve flu like symptoms, you are to QUARANTINE yourself IMMEDIATELY!!!!! Do not attempt to go to work, school...etc, etc. There have been currently 0 reported deaths in Australia, and 6 hospitalizations.

I would like to note that there have been MANY people who have freaked out over this situation, and have become seriously sick due to stress-like illnesses. If you do have any concerns, questions or queries see your healthcare professional.

For people who stress out over these issues, please don't be ashamed of it! It is quite natural to be scared. Please, read the above posts and read other articles about Swine Flu to inform yourself about the Facts. I have also placed some more "FAQ's" below to make sure that it is up-to-date

1. I had the Flu this year, but I still have a cough?
Coughs are quite natural after a common illness like the Flu. Coughs can leave a few days after the virus has stopped, to a couple of months. It varies from person to person. Continue to follow hygiene practices at home and work.

2. The Media keeps commenting on the Swine Flu, Why?
The media makes a fuss over anything that we have never come accross before. Thousands of people get the Seasonal Flu each year, and yet the media don't seem to comment on that!!!

3. I am Affraid of getting the Swine Flu!
No one likes being sick, and your always a little bit more on edge when you KNOW there is a virus out there. It is quite common to feel insecure. Please don't be ashamed and tell no-one. If you are un-comfortable about the Swine Flu, please let you Manager, Employer, Parents, Guardian, Teacher or another person about your insecurities so they can help set in measures to make you feel more comfortable.

4. What do I do if I get the Swine Flu?
Everything in life, should be taken on positively. If you are possibly infected with Swine Influenza, you will be quaratined at home or a designated location. Recommendation: Relax and have an easy day off. Move the TV into your bedroom, get a glass of water and enjoy the day in bed. You will feel really comfortable and relaxed. Keep yourself Occupied by watching TV or a movie.

5. Can I avoid the Swine Flu?
You can avoid it as best as any other person. If you are considered a possible infectant, then STAY IN QUARANTINE no matter what! You can avoid it by Covering your mouth when you cough/sneeze with your hand/arm. Washing your hands with Disinfectant Soap everytime you come into physical contact of another human. Ensuring that you are staying home if you are sick. Don't even attempt to go into work.

6. Is there a cure?
Not Yet. However there is a treatment of "PaniFlu" which fights Type A Influenza (H1N1 Virus), which is a Anti-Viral medication. It won't cure you of the virus but will make the symptoms disappear.

7. Why is IPBHelpers providing this information?
IPBHelpers is a community, no matter what. We do support forums, however we also lookout for the safety of our members!

I hope you have all found this information useful. IPBHelpers will be monitoring closely on the situation and will keep members updated as necessary. Please remember to take care, and stay safe

Peter

[Martin]

Thankfully this was more media hipe than a reality of their predictions...

[yellow_spider]

@Martin and Peter...

Was it all over the news there too ?

I know our news (UK) was constantly on about...

[Martin]

@Martin and Peter...

Was it all over the news there too ?

I know our news (UK) was constantly on about...

Yes it was in the US. Almost had everyone thinking that a mass epidemic was about to happen. Silly media...

[Peter]

Every second headline, here in Australia is "Swine Flu!",

If you have the time, Australia have launched its new "Flu & You" campaign. Read here "
http://www.flupandemic.gov.au/internet/pan...uandyou-broch-1

[Peter]

Pandemic Alert!

Australia has launched is Pandemic Alert, and will commence it's emergency contingency plan to slow Swine Flu down. Please Remember,

IF
- You have Flu like symptoms, stay at home and stay confined.
- After every physical contact with another person, wash your hands thouroughly (using soap and warm running water!)
- Follow your policies at your school, workplace.....etc, etc.....that relate to H1N1 Influenza

IPBHelpers will keep you updated throughout the development.

[Dean]

I hope everyone wont have anything like this terrible flu.

I hope you all the best of life.
Swine Flu is a terrible thing to get.

[Peter]

Pandemic Alert Update:

I have been recieveing a few questions (not at IPBH), about why the Alert Phase has been upgraded yet again. So, I have decided to update for all you who'd like to know

Q: Why is the Pandemic Alert Phase being Upgraded?
WHO (World Health Organisation), have declared it Pandemic not due to the severtiy of the cases, but due to how fast it has spread in such a short time.

If you have any more questions about the policies WHO have put in place, visit your governments website with their "Flu Pandemic Contingency Plan", or visit http://cdc.gov (Centre for Disease and Prevention).

IPBHelpers will update as neccessary regarding H1N1 Influenza,

[Peter]

Swine Flu - The Ending!

Due to the amount of cases, versus the number of people hospitalized - the "Swine Flu" is now, considered the same as the Seasonal Flu. No one is required to be isolated any more!

However, if you have any of the following symptoms proceed immediately to the nearest hospital!
- Breathing Difficulties
- Heat Related Problems
- Infant under 6 months of age

If you still have any questions, queries or concerns please see your local Doctor or healthcare professional.

Topic Closed.