SARS, H1N1, Rotavirus, Influenza… what do these have in common?

At some point in our lives, you or someone you know may have been ill with Influenza, which causes fever, cough, headache and general tiredness, with some people developing a sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Most recover from the flu with no problems. However, there are more severe flu strains that can lead to death, such as H1N1, a flu virus with similar symptoms, that was initially referred to as the swine flu. You may also remember SARS (which stands for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome), a viral respiratory illness that sparked a global outbreak in 2003, and which took months to contain. If you’ve had to care for an infant or young child with severe diarrhea, you might have heard of the Rotovirus, which commonly infects children and causes diarrhea, low-grade fever, vomiting and nausea.

These diseases have one common link: they are caused by viruses. Viruses are responsible for many common ailments as well as diseases that can prove fatal if not treated properly and in time. Some of the most common or best known viruses include the herpes simplex virus, which causes cold sores, smallpox, multiple sclerosis, and the Influenza or ‘flu’ virus. The common human cold that is responsible for many ‘sick leave’ days is caused by a virus.

While some viruses are transmitted through bodily fluids, many infections can be spread from person to person through droplets in the air i.e. when an infected person coughs, sneezes or speaks. Infections can also be spread indirectly when a person touches a contaminated surface (such as a doorknob) and then touches his nose or mouth. In addition, some viruses can be transferred from our pets to us.

How can you protect yourself and your family? If a family member is ill, how can you prevent the illness from spreading to others?

“If you or your child feels unwell, wear a facemask. Try to let your children sleep in separate rooms if one of them is ill, and avoid sharing toys during this period. If you are experiencing fever, do see a doctor. In addition, if you or your family members fall into groups at risk for complications related with influenza infection, such as adults and children with chronic lung disorders (including asthma) or heart, persons aged 65 years and older,  and children aged 6 months to 5 years, you may wish to consider getting flu vaccination as a form of protection.”

- Dr Angela Lim, MBBS (Singapore), Grad. Dip. (Family Medicine)

At all times, it is wise to practise good hygiene habits – whether in the home, outdoors and in public places. Check out these pointers below:

1. Wash your hands with soap and water

Your hands are usually in direct contact with contaminated surfaces and exposed constantly to germs. Wash your hands thoroughly and regularly with a suitable soap such as Kirei Kirei Anti-bacterial Foaming Hand Soap. If soap and water are not available, a rinse-free sanitizer such as Kirei Kirei Anti-bacterial Hand Sanitizer is a good alternative. Don’t wait until your hands feel or look dirty before you wash them. Encourage everyone in your family to wash their hands:

- before and after meals

- before handling food

- after using the toilet

- after blowing the nose

- when returning home after visiting a public place such as the library, shopping mall etc (viruses could get transmitted after touching contaminated surfaces such as service counters, tabletops, doorknobs, handrails etc.)

2. Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing

Always use a tissue or handkerchief when you cough or sneeze, and dispose of waste tissues properly in a covered dustbin.

3. Don’t share crockery and personal items

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