Fear of Swine Flu in Tenerife

I posted about the first two cases of H1N1 in Tenerife some weeks ago and I think because of that a lot of people are finding their way to the door of Tenerife Tattle with related search terms like H1N1 Tenerife, or swine flu in Tenerife.

As far as I know the latest head count – if that is what the visitors are looking for – is standing around 11 people in Tenerife currently infected with swine flu . But what I think they are really looking for more than anything else is reassurance – the security of knowing that they are not coming on holiday to a hotbed of infection.

For the moment I can say Tenerife is not badly affected but  I don’t doubt that swine flu will arrive in quantity with the summer visitors. How could it not? With infection rates spiraling out of control in London and the rest of the UK it is inevitable that some people in the incubation period will get on flights to the island.

I don’t blame people for being scared. I know it shocked me yesterday to read about the death of young Chloe Buckley. She was one year younger than my own daughter who will also be planning a birthday party soon. I cannot imagine how her parents are coping and my heart goes out to them. I also can not imagine how I would get  through a similar tragedy in my own life.

For the first time ever the reality of this new disease hit home. I thought of the planes landing at TFS filled with potential carriers and I thought of young Chloe,  looked at my two young kids and I began to panic.

Just at that point I received a comment on the previous swine flu post which more or less said don’t worry. Masks and vitamin C will be enough to stave off an infection. I don’t believe that but it did make me stop and think.

The thing is no matter who tells you what or whatever you read in the newspaper nobody really seems to know anything at all about it. Nevertheless I am sure money is being made off my fear and yours. Should I run out and buy masks, stock up on herbal pills, vitamins? Buy dodgy Tamiflu off an online druggist?  What can I do to protect my babies?

I think the answer to that was written long ago by Douglas Adams. The best thing I can do for my family is Don’t Panic! Don’t rush about snapping up whatever snake oil and bullshit the peddlars are pushing you. Discount the panic-mongering of the local rumour mill or red-top newspapers desperate to push up daily sales.

But do stay informed about the latest H1N1 developments from the best sources available.

Swine Flu Advice from the World Health Organisation

General advice
It is important to remember that in the community setting the following general measures may be more important than wearing a mask in preventing the spread of influenza.

For individuals who are well:
Maintain distance of at least 1 metre from any individual with influenza-like symptoms, and:
• refrain from touching mouth and nose;
• perform hand hygiene frequently, by washing with soap and water or using an alcohol based handrub , especially if touching the mouth and nose and surfaces that are potentially contaminated;
• reduce as much as possible the time spent in close contact with people who might be ill;
• reduce as much as possible the time spent in crowded settings;
• improve airflow in your living space by opening windows as much as possible.

For individuals with influenza-like symptoms:
• stay at home if you feel unwell and follow the local public health recommendations;
• keep distance from well individuals as much as possible (at least 1 metre);
• cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, with tissues or other suitable materials, to contain respiratory secretions. Dispose of the material immediately after use or wash it. Clean hands immediately after contact with respiratory secretions!
• improve airflow in your living space by opening windows as much as possible.

Use of Masks
If masks are worn, proper use and disposal is essential to ensure they are potentially effective and to avoid any increase in risk of transmission associated with the incorrect use of masks.

The following information on correct use of masks derives from the practices in health-care settings:
• place mask carefully to cover mouth and nose and tie securely to minimise any gaps between the face and the mask
• while in use, avoid touching the mask
− whenever you touch a used mask, for example when removing or washing, clean hands by washing with soap and water or using an alcohol-based handrub
• replace masks with a new clean, dry mask as soon as they become damp/humid
• do not re-use single-use masks − discard single-use masks after each use and dispose of them immediately upon
removing.
Although some alternative barriers to standard medical masks are frequently used (e.g. cloth mask, scarf, paper masks, rags tied over the nose and mouth), there is insufficient information available on their effectiveness. If such alternative barriers are used, they should only be used once or, in the case of cloth masks, should be cleaned thoroughly between each use (i.e. wash with normal household detergent at normal temperature). They should be removed immediately after caring for the ill. Hands should be washed immediately after removal of the mask.

For more information go to World Health Organisation on H1N1