Happy Eid

SELAMAT HARI RAYA AIDILFITRI DIUCAPKAN KEPADA SELURUH UMAT ISLAM DI SELURUH DUNIA...

Horoscope

Gemini Horoscope for September 18, 2009


This is an excellent time to be out and about. There are significant opportunities to make connections, exchange information, and to learn something through a meeting or chance encounter. Emails, phone calls, and conversations that you initiate are productive at this time.
Wellness:


31%
Intellect:


93%
Love:


30%
Emotions:


4%
Intuition:


37%
Creativity:


33%
Work:


95%
Money:


21%Power Numbers: 28, 24, 33, 27, 22, 49 Born Today: Samuel Johnson, Greta Garbo, Agnes De Mille, Carl Stoddard, Lance Armstrong, Jada Pinkett Smith

Gemini Love Horoscope
This is a very pleasant time for you. You have a need to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life, relax, and collect yourself. Taking a stroll through the woods, visiting a beautiful lake, mountain retreat, or beach appeals to you now, even more so if you take along someone special. You also enjoy casual activities and visiting friends.

Puasa

Salam Ingatan tulus ikhlas bagi seluruh umat Islam di seluruh dunia yang sedang mejalani ibadah puasa dalam bulan yang cukup mulia iaitu bulan Ramadhan. Syukur kehadrat ilahi kerana masih lagi memberi kita kesempatan untuk mejalani ibadah tersebut.

Ni nak cerita sikit pasal pengalaman berpuasa di negeri orang untuk tahun yang keduanya. memang tidak dapat dinafikan memang kebanyakan individu yang bukan berasal dari Sabah mengalami masalah dalam menyasuaikan diri mengenai makanan yang terdapat di negeri ini terutamanya pelajar tahun pertama yang selalu merungut mengenai makanan yang tidak sesuai dengan selera mereka.

Di sini saya ada satu nasihat untuk adik-adik baru, inilah sebenarnya peluang kepada kita untuk merasai masakan dan makanan di tempat orang. insyallah ia akan menjadi satu kenangan yang terindah dalam hidup kita semua.

KOSMO OH KOSMO

Lama sudah rasanya aku tidak buka blog ini gara-gara internet yang lembab kat UMS. time tu aku da siap taip dua cerita untuk dimuatkan dalam blog ini tetapi internet punya hal semua yang aku taip tu hilang entah kemana sedih pun ada, nak marah pun ada masa tu tapi sabar je la.

Ni nak cerita balik pasal cerita yang hilang hari tu, cerita pasal kosmo varsiti futsal yang diadakan di UMS. universiti la lain pun ada jugak tapi tu hal diorang tak payah nak cerita. tujuan kosmo varsiti futsal ini dianjurkan adalah untuk memilih pasukan yang akan mewakili UMS ke Kuala Lumpur untuk grand final bagi menentang universiti lain.

jom cerita masa hari pertandingan, pada hari tu pasukan Budaya FC telah menyewa aku dengan kontrak yang tak seberapa tapi tak pe la sebab diorang budak-budak first year jadi dengan hati yang terbuka aku terima.lagipun kalau dilihat dari semangat diorang memang berkobar-kobar mungkin ni kali pertama diorang dapat join aktiviti yang dianjurkan oleh UMS.

Dalam pengundian Budaya FC telah diundi dalam kumpulan A. pada mulanya aku amat terkujut juga sebab semua team dalam kumpulan tersebut kuat-kuat belaka.untuk perlawanan pertama Budaya FC VS Jig's FC. nak dijadikan cerita pagi tu aku bangun lewat diorg da call banyak kali aku pun bergegas hidupkan enjin kereta untuk kesana. sampai je disana diorg tengah lawan jadi aku yang masih lagi mcm org blur kerana baru bangun tidur dimasukkan separuh masa kedua. aku tidak dapat main dengan elok pada masa tu jadi kitorg kalah 2-1 untuk first game. aku memang tidak meletakkan harapan yang tinggi untuk team ni pada mulanya. tapi nasib Budaya FC berubah selepas perlawanan tu. kami menang semua perlawanan selepas itu. Untuk final Budaya FC sekali lagi menentang Jig's FC. Kali ni aku main dengan penuh semangat sebab aku tak suka untuk kalah kali kedua untuk pasukan yang sama. time final tu kitaorg telah menang dengan argregat 4-0 dan yang paling manis dalam final tu aku telah menjaringkan hatrik dan dinobatkan pemain terbaik..

Selepas Penyampaian Hadiah

Budaya FC nyer team

Penting ni tau!!!

ISLAMIC CALENDAR 1430H (2009)

1 Safar 1430 28 Jan 2009 Rabu / Wednesday

1 Rabiulawal 1430 26 Feb 2009 Khamis / Thursday

1 Rabiulakhir 1430 28 Mac 2009 Sabtu / Saturday

1 Jamadilawal 1430 27 April 2009 Isnin / Monday

1 Jamadilakhir 1430 26 May 2009 Selasa / Tuesday

1 Rejab 1430 24 June 2009 Rabu / Wednesday

1 Syaaban 1430 23 July 2009 Khamis / Thursday

1 Ramadhan 1430 22 Aug 2009 Sabtu / Saturday

1 Syawal 1430 20 Sept 2009 Ahad / Sunday

1 Zulkaedah 1430 20 Oct 2009 Selasa / Tuesday

1 Zulhijjah 1430 18 Nov 2009 Rabu / Wednesday

1 Muharram 1431 18 Dec 2009 Jumaat / Friday

ISLAMIC EVENTS (1430/2009)

Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday 12 Rabiulawal 1430 9 Mar 2009

Israk Mikraj 27 Rejab 1430 20 Jul 2009

Nisfu Syaaban 15 Syaaban 1430 6 Aug 2009

Beginning of Fasting (1430H) 1 Ramadan 1430 22 Aug 2009

Nuzul Al-Quran 17 Ramadan 1430 7 Sep 2009

Hari Raya Aidilfitri 1 Syawal 1430 20 Sep 2009

Hari Raya Aidiladha 10 Zulhijjah 1430 27 Nov 2009

Islamic New Year (1431H) 1 Muharram 1431 18 Dec 2009

Nisfu Syaaban

Assalamualaikum w.b.t…

Dalam kita memperkatakan mengenai kelebihan bulan Syaaban, terdapat satu malam di bulan tersebut yang dikenali dengan 'Nisfu Syaaban'. Adapun malam Nisfu Syaaban ini mempunyai keistimewaan dan merupakan salah satu malam yang paling mustajab (doa dimakbulkan), malam pengampunan dan merupakan malam yang penuh dengan rahmat, sebagaimana hadis Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam diriwayatkan oleh Imam Ibnu Majjah, maksudnya:

"Dari Yahya ibni Abi Khasir, dari Irwah dari Aisyah Radiallahuanha berkata: Bersabda Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam: Sesungguhnya Allah Subhanahu Wataala menurunkan rahmat-Nya (memakbulkan doa) pada malam Nisfu Syaaban ke langit bawah (langit dunia), maka Allah Subhanahu Wataala mengampunkan hamba-hamba-Nya lebih banyak bilangannya daripada bulu kambing Kabilah Bani Kalib".

Di samping itu wahai kaum Muslimin, dalam keghairahan menghidupkan malam Nisfu Syaaban ini dengan berbagai cara ibadat, kita perlu berhati-hati agar tidak terjerumus ke dalam melakukan perkara-perkara bidaah, seperti melakukan Sembahyang Sunat Nisfu Syaaban, kerana sembahyang ini sebenarnya tiada sabit dalam ajaran Islam. Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam bersabda dalam sebuah hadis yang dipetik dari kitab 'Zubdatul Waizzin' yang bermaksud: Barangsiapa yang mengagungkan bulan Syaaban, bertakwa kepada Allah, taat kepada-Nya serta menahan diri daripada perbuatan maksiat, maka Allah Subhanahu Wataala mengampuni semua dosanya dan menyelamatkannya di dalam tahun itu daripada segala macam bencana dan penyakit.

Sebahagian ahli hikmah berkata: "Sesungguhnya bulan Rejab adalah kesempatan untuk minta ampun daripada segala dosa, bulan Syaaban adalah kesempatan untuk memperbaiki diri daripada segala macam cela dan pada bulan Ramadan adalah masa untuk menerangkan hati dan jiwa".

Nisfu dlm bahasa arab beerti setengah. Nisfu Syaaban beerti setengah bulan Syaaban. Malam Nisfu Syaaban adalah malam lima-belas Syaaban iaitu siangnya empat-belas haribulan Syaaban.

Malam Nisfu Syaaban merupakan malam yang penuh berkat dan rahmat selepas malam Lailatul qadr. Saiyidatina Aisyah r.a. meriwayatkan bahawa Nabi saw tidak tidur pada malam itu sebagaimana yg tersebut dalam sebuah hadis yg diriwayatkan oleh Iman Al-Baihaqi r.a:

Rasulullah saw telah bangun pada malam (Nisfu Syaaban) dan bersembahyang dah sungguh lama sujudnya sehingga aku fikir beliau telah wafat. Apabila aku melihat demikian aku mencuit ibu jari kaki Baginda saw dan bergerak. Kemudian aku kembali dan aku dengar Baginda saw berkata dlm sujudnya, "Ya Allah aku pohonkan kemaafanMu daripada apa yg akan diturunkan dan aku pohonkan keredhaanMu daripada kemurkaanMu dan aku berlindung kpdMu daripadaMu. Aku tidak dpt menghitung pujian terhadapMu seperti kamu memuji diriMu sendiri."

Setelah Baginda saw selesai sembahyang, Baginda berkata kpd Saiyidatina Aisyah r.a. "Malam ini adalan malam Nisfu syaaban. Sesunguhnya Allah Azzawajjal telah dtg kpd hambanya pada malam Nisfu syaaban dan memberi keampunan kpd mereka yg beristighfar, memberi rahmat ke atas mereka yg memberi rahmat dan melambatkan rahmat dan keampunan terhadap org2 yg dengki."

Hari nisfu sya'aban adalah hari dimana buku catatan amalan kita selama setahun diangkat ke langit dan diganti dengan buku catatan yang baru. Catatan pertama yang akan dicatatkan dibuku yang baru akan bermula sebaik sahaja masuk waktu maghrib, (15 Sya'aban bermula pada 14 hb sya'aban sebaik sahaja masuk maghrib)

Berikut adalah antara amal ibadah di hari Nisfu Sya'aban:

1.Solat sunat nisfu sya'aban - terdapat dua cara mengerjakan solat sunat ini

Sembahyang 100 rakaat dengan memberi salaam selepas setiap 2 rakaat. Surah Al-Ikhlas dibaca sebanyak 11 kali setelah setiap rakaat setelah membaca surah al-Fatihah

Sembahyang 10 rakaat dengan memberi salaam selepas setiap 2 rakaat. Surah Al-Ikhlas dibaca sebanyak 100 kali setelah setiap rakaat setelah membaca surah al-Fatihah

2. Membaca Yasin 3x selepas solat Maghribnya

i) Yasin pertama : mohon dipanjangkan umur untuk beribadat kepada Allah

ii) Yasin kedua : mohon rezeki yang halal untuk beribadat kepada Allah

iii) Yasin ketiga : mohon ditetapkan iman dan Islam & mati di dalam iman

3. Berpuasa pada siangnya (mulai pagi esoknya-15 Syaaban)

Antara kelebihan bulan Sya’aban:

1. Sesiapa berpuasa sehari dalam bulan Sya’aban maka Allah haramkan tubuhnya dari api neraka dan dia akan menjadi teman kpd nabi Allah Yusof didalam syurga.

2. Riwayat dari Osman Bin Abi Al-As, Sabda Nabi Muhammad (saw) : pada malam nisfu sya’aban setelah berlalu 1/3 malamnya, Allah turun ke langit dunia lalu berfirman : adakah orang-orang yang meminta maka Aku perkenankan permintannya , adakah orang yang meminta ampun maka aku ampunkannya , adakah orang yang bertaubat maka aku terima taubatnya dan diampunkan semua orang mukmin lelaki & perempuan , melainkan orang yang berzina atau orang yang berdendam marah hatinya kepada saudaranya.

Sebaik-baiknya minta ampun dengan ibubapa sebelum hari nisfu sya’aban kerana amalan kita akan terhalang dari diangkat ke langit sekiranya kita derhaka/berdosa dengan ibubapa kita.

Wallahua’alam

Lagi-lagi H1N1

Hish..berminggu-minggu sudah kita digemparkan dengan serangan wabak selesema babi atau lebih elok digelar sebagai H1N1. Apakah sebenarnya punca dan dari manakah ia berasal? Sedar atau tidak sebenarnya kita sebagai manusia di dunia sebenarnya sedang diuji oleh pencipta kita iaitu Allah S.W.T. Sebenarnya, bukan sahaja wabak yang kita geruni pada masa kini sahaja yang telah melanda kita semua di dunia ini tetapi kita pernah dilanda dengan pelbagai peristiwa yang dashyat seperti Tsunami, Taufan dan pelbagai peristiwa pelik yang sudah pasti tidak terjangkau oleh akal manusia yang terbatas. Sebagai manusia yang hidup berasaskan udara, adakah kita sedar bahawasnya semua ini adalah satu peringatan daripada yang maha pencipta kepada kita semua penghuni dunia yang sementara ini supaya tidak lupa kepadaNya dan menjaga tingkah laku kerana apa yang kita lihat pada hari ini,manusia semakin hari semakin lalai dan jauh dari melaksanakan tanggungjawab kepadaNya. Ingatkah kita akan peristiwa kaum-kaum terdahulu yang dibinasakan oleh Allah S.W.T kerana kelalaian dan keangkuhan mereka. Kita sepatutnya bersyukur kerana menjadi umat nabi Muhammad s.a.w kerana berkat kerasulanNya kita tidak dihukum oleh Allah S.W.T sebagaimana kaum-kaum terdahulu. Apa yang saya amati pada masa kita umat manusia khususnya umat islam hidup berpecah belah dan saling bermusuh-musuhan antara satu sama lain dalam ertikata lain hidup berpacah belah dan kembali berpuak-puak sebagaimana zaman jahiliah dahulu. Jadi, sebagai umat manusia khususnya umat islam kembalilah kepada ajaran Islam yang sebenarnnya laksanakan apa yang diperintahkan dan banyakkan berdoa agar dijauhkan segala bala bencana supaya seluruh umat manusia dapat hidup dalam keadaan aman dan damai..Insyallah.

Novel H1N1 Flu in Humans

Are there human infections with novel H1N1 virus in the U.S.?
Yes. Cases of human infection with novel H1N1 influenza virus were first confirmed in the U.S. in Southern California and near Guadalupe County, Texas. The outbreak intensified rapidly from that time and more and more states have been reporting cases of illness from this virus. An updated case count of confirmed novel H1N1 flu infections in the United States is kept at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/update.htm. CDC and local and state health agencies are working together to investigate this situation.

Is novel H1N1 virus contagious?
CDC has determined that novel H1N1 virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human. However, at this time, it is not known how easily the virus spreads between people.

What are the signs and symptoms of this virus in people?
The symptoms of novel H1N1 flu virus in people are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A significant number of people who have been infected with this virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting. Also, like seasonal flu, severe illnesses and death has occurred as a result of illness associated with this virus.

How severe is illness associated with novel H1N1 flu virus?
It’s not known at this time how severe novel H1N1 flu virus will be in the general population. In seasonal flu, there are certain people that are at higher risk of serious flu-related complications. This includes people 65 years and older, children younger than five years old, pregnant women, and people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions. Early indications are that pregnancy and other previously recognized medical conditions that increase the risk of influenza-related complications, like asthma and diabetes, also appear to be associated with increased risk of complications from novel H1N1 virus infection as well.

One thing that appears to be different from seasonal influenza is that adults older than 64 years do not yet appear to be at increased risk of novel H1N1-related complications thus far in the outbreak. CDC is conducting laboratory studies to see if certain people might have natural immunity to this virus, depending on their age. Early reports indicate that no children and few adults younger than 60 years old have existing antibody to novel H1N1 flu virus; however, about one-third of adults older than 60 may have antibodies against this virus. It is unknown how much, if any, protection may be afforded against novel H1N1 flu by any existing antibody.

How does novel H1N1 flu compare to seasonal flu in terms of its severity and infection rates?
CDC is still learning about the severity of novel H1N1 flu virus. At this time, there is not enough information to predict how severe novel H1N1 flu outbreak will be in terms of illness and death or how it will compare with seasonal influenza.

With seasonal flu, we know that seasons vary in terms of timing, duration and severity. Seasonal influenza can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Each year, in the United States, on average 36,000 people die from flu-related complications and more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu-related causes. Of those hospitalized, 20,000 are children younger than 5 years old. Over 90% of deaths and about 60 percent of hospitalization occur in people older than 65.

So far, with novel H1N1 flu, the largest number of novel H1N1 flu confirmed and probable cases have occurred in people between the ages of 5 and 24-years-old. At this time, there are few cases and no deaths reported in people older than 64 years old, which is unusual when compared with seasonal flu. However, pregnancy and other previously recognized high risk medical conditions from seasonal influenza appear to be associated with increased risk of complications from this novel H1N1.

How does novel H1N1 virus spread?
Spread of novel H1N1 virus is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

How long can an infected person spread this virus to others?
At the current time, CDC believes that this virus has the same properties in terms of spread as seasonal flu viruses. With seasonal flu, studies have shown that people may be contagious from one day before they develop symptoms to up to 7 days after they get sick. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods. CDC is studying the virus and its capabilities to try to learn more and will provide more information as it becomes available.

Exposures Not Thought to Spread Novel H1N1 Flu

Can I get infected with novel H1N1 virus from eating or preparing pork?
No. Novel H1N1 viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get infected with novel HIN1 virus from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe.

Is there a risk from drinking water?
Tap water that has been treated by conventional disinfection processes does not likely pose a risk for transmission of influenza viruses. Current drinking water treatment regulations provide a high degree of protection from viruses. No research has been completed on the susceptibility of novel H1N1 flu virus to conventional drinking water treatment processes. However, recent studies have demonstrated that free chlorine levels typically used in drinking water treatment are adequate to inactivate highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza. It is likely that other influenza viruses such as novel H1N1 would also be similarly inactivated by chlorination. To date, there have been no documented human cases of influenza caused by exposure to influenza-contaminated drinking water.

Can novel H1N1 flu virus be spread through water in swimming pools, spas, water parks, interactive fountains, and other treated recreational water venues?
Influenza viruses infect the human upper respiratory tract. There has never been a documented case of influenza virus infection associated with water exposure. Recreational water that has been treated at CDC recommended disinfectant levels does not likely pose a risk for transmission of influenza viruses. No research has been completed on the susceptibility of novel H1N1 influenza virus to chlorine and other disinfectants used in swimming pools, spas, water parks, interactive fountains, and other treated recreational venues. However, recent studies have demonstrated that free chlorine levels recommended by CDC (1–3 parts per million [ppm or mg/L] for pools and 2–5 ppm for spas) are adequate to disinfect avian influenza A (H5N1) virus. It is likely that other influenza viruses such as novel H1N1 virus would also be similarly disinfected by chlorine.

Can novel H1N1 influenza virus be spread at recreational water venues outside of the water?
Yes, recreational water venues are no different than any other group setting. The spread of this novel H1N1 flu is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

Prevention & Treatment

What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?
There is no vaccine available right now to protect against novel H1N1 virus. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza.

Take these everyday steps to protect your health:

• 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.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• Stay home if you are sick for 7 days after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. This is to keep from infecting others and spreading the virus further.

Other important actions that you can take are:

• Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.
• Be prepared in case you get sick and need to stay home for a week or so; a supply of over-the-counter medicines, alcohol-based hand rubs, tissues and other related items might could be useful and help avoid the need to make trips out in public while you are sick and contagious.

What is the best way to keep from spreading the virus through coughing or sneezing?
If you are sick, limit your contact with other people as much as possible. If you are sick, stay home for 7 days after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Put your used tissue in the waste basket. Then, clean your hands, and do so every time you cough or sneeze.

If I have a family member at home who is sick with novel H1N1 flu, should I go to work?
Employees who are well but who have an ill family member at home with novel H1N1 flu can go to work as usual. These employees should monitor their health every day, and take everyday precautions including washing their hands often with soap and water, especially after they cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective. If they become ill, they should notify their supervisor and stay home. Employees who have an underlying medical condition or who are pregnant should call their health care provider for advice, because they might need to receive influenza antiviral drugs to prevent illness. For more information please see General Business and Workplace Guidance for the Prevention of Novel Influenza A (H1N1) Flu in Workers.

What is the best technique for washing my hands to avoid getting the flu?
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Wash with soap and water or clean with alcohol-based hand cleaner. CDC recommends that when you wash your hands -- with soap and warm water -- that you wash for 15 to 20 seconds. When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used. You can find them in most supermarkets and drugstores. If using gel, rub your hands until the gel is dry. The gel doesn't need water to work; the alcohol in it kills the germs on your hands.

What should I do if I get sick?
If you live in areas where people have been identified with novel H1N1 flu and become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people. Staying at home means that you should not leave your home except to seek medical care. This means avoiding normal activities, including work, school, travel, shopping, social events, and public gatherings

If you have severe illness or you are at high risk for flu complications, contact your health care provider or seek medical care. Your health care provider will determine whether flu testing or treatment is needed

If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care.

In children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

• Fast breathing or trouble breathing
• Bluish or gray skin color
• Not drinking enough fluids
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Not waking up or not interacting
• Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
• Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

Are there medicines to treat novel H1N1 infection?
Yes. CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with novel H1N1 flu virus. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaled powder) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. During the current outbreak, the priority use for influenza antiviral drugs during is to treat severe influenza illness.

Contamination & Cleaning

How long can influenza virus remain viable on objects (such as books and doorknobs)?
Studies have shown that influenza virus can survive on environmental surfaces and can infect a person for up to 2-8 hours after being deposited on the surface.

What kills influenza virus?
Influenza virus is destroyed by heat (167-212°F [75-100°C]). In addition, several chemical germicides, including chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, detergents (soap), iodophors (iodine-based antiseptics), and alcohols are effective against human influenza viruses if used in proper concentration for a sufficient length of time. For example, wipes or gels with alcohol in them can be used to clean hands. The gels should be rubbed into hands until they are dry.

What surfaces are most likely to be sources of contamination?
Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air. Germs can be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk, for example, and then touches their own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands.

How should waste disposal be handled to prevent the spread of influenza virus?
To prevent the spread of influenza virus, it is recommended that tissues and other disposable items used by an infected person be thrown in the trash. Additionally, persons should wash their hands with soap and water after touching used tissues and similar waste.

What household cleaning should be done to prevent the spread of influenza virus?
To prevent the spread of influenza virus it is important to keep surfaces (especially bedside tables, surfaces in the bathroom, kitchen counters and toys for children) clean by wiping them down with a household disinfectant according to directions on the product label.

How should linens, eating utensils and dishes of persons infected with influenza virus be handled?
Linens, eating utensils, and dishes belonging to those who are sick do not need to be cleaned separately, but importantly these items should not be shared without washing thoroughly first.
Linens (such as bed sheets and towels) should be washed by using household laundry soap and tumbled dry on a hot setting. Individuals should avoid “hugging” laundry prior to washing it to prevent contaminating themselves. Individuals should wash their hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub immediately after handling dirty laundry.

Eating utensils should be washed either in a dishwasher or by hand with water and soap.

Response & Investigation

What is CDC doing in response to the outbreak?
The agency’s goals are to reduce transmission and illness severity, and provide information to help health care providers, public health officials and the public address the challenges posed by the new virus. CDC is working with state and local health departments to enhance surveillance in the United States and to collect and analyze data to assess the impact of the virus and determine the groups at increased risk of complications. In addition, CDC continues to issue new and updated interim guidance for clinicians, public health professionals and the public for the prevention and treatment of this new virus.

To expand the national and international laboratory capacity for detecting novel H1N1 influenza, CDC has developed and distributed new influenza diagnostic kits and reagents to more than 350 laboratories, including laboratories in 131 countries. CDC’s Division of the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) continues to send antiviral drugs, personal protective equipment, and respiratory protection devices to all 50 states and U.S. territories to help them respond to the outbreak.

The U.S. Government also is aggressively taking early steps in the process to manufacture a novel H1N1 influenza vaccine, working closely with manufacturing. CDC has isolated the new H1N1 virus, made a candidate vaccine virus that can be used to create vaccine, and has provided this virus to industry so they can begin scaling up for production of a vaccine, if necessary.

What epidemiological investigations are taking place in response to the recent outbreak?
CDC works very closely with state and local officials in areas where human cases of new H1N1 flu infections have been identified. CDC has deployed staff to several states to assist with the investigation of the impact of the novel H1N1 influenza, including the assessment of the severity of illness, how easily the virus spreads, and the amount of time people may be infectious. In states where EpiAid teams have been deployed, many epidemiological activities are taking place or planned including:

• Active surveillance in the counties where infections in humans have been identified;
• Studies of health care workers who were exposed to patients infected with the virus to see if they became infected;
• Studies of households and other contacts of people who were confirmed to have been infected to see if they became infected; and
• Study to see how long a person with the virus infection sheds the virus.

*Note: Much of the information in this document is based on studies and past experience with seasonal (human) influenza. CDC believes the information applies to novel H1N1 (swine) viruses as well, but studies on this virus are ongoing to learn more about its characteristics. This document will be updated as new information becomes available.

What is novel H1N1 (swine flu)?

Novel H1N1 (referred to as “swine flu” early on) is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This new virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. Other countries, including Mexico and Canada, have reported people sick with this new virus. This virus is spreading from person-to-person, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread.

Why is novel H1N1 virus sometimes called “swine flu”?
This virus was originally referred to as “swine flu” because laboratory testing showed that many of the genes in this new virus were very similar to influenza viruses that normally occur in pigs in North America. But further study has shown that this new virus is very different from what normally circulates in North American pigs. It has two genes from flu viruses that normally circulate in pigs in Europe and Asia and avian genes and human genes. Scientists call this a "quadruple reassortant" virus.

Pandemic..?Phase 6,...what's that?

Pandemic preparedness

In the 2009 revision of the phase descriptions, WHO has retained the use of a six-phased approach for easy incorporation of new recommendations and approaches into existing national preparedness and response plans. The grouping and description of pandemic phases have been revised to make them easier to understand, more precise, and based upon observable phenomena. Phases 1–3 correlate with preparedness, including capacity development and response planning activities, while Phases 4–6 clearly signal the need for response and mitigation efforts. Furthermore, periods after the first pandemic wave are elaborated to facilitate post pandemic recovery activities.

The current WHO phase of pandemic alert is 6.

In nature, influenza viruses circulate continuously among animals, especially birds. Even though such viruses might theoretically develop into pandemic viruses, in Phase 1 no viruses circulating among animals have been reported to cause infections in humans.

In Phase 2 an animal influenza virus circulating among domesticated or wild animals is known to have caused infection in humans, and is therefore considered a potential pandemic threat.

In Phase 3, an animal or human-animal influenza reassortant virus has caused sporadic cases or small clusters of disease in people, but has not resulted in human-to-human transmission sufficient to sustain community-level outbreaks. Limited human-to-human transmission may occur under some circumstances, for example, when there is close contact between an infected person and an unprotected caregiver. However, limited transmission under such restricted circumstances does not indicate that the virus has gained the level of transmissibility among humans necessary to cause a pandemic.

Phase 4 is characterized by verified human-to-human transmission of an animal or human-animal influenza reassortant virus able to cause “community-level outbreaks.” The ability to cause sustained disease outbreaks in a community marks a significant upwards shift in the risk for a pandemic. Any country that suspects or has verified such an event should urgently consult with WHO so that the situation can be jointly assessed and a decision made by the affected country if implementation of a rapid pandemic containment operation is warranted. Phase 4 indicates a significant increase in risk of a pandemic but does not necessarily mean that a pandemic is a forgone conclusion.

Phase 5 is characterized by human-to-human spread of the virus into at least two countries in one WHO region. While most countries will not be affected at this stage, the declaration of Phase 5 is a strong signal that a pandemic is imminent and that the time to finalize the organization, communication, and implementation of the planned mitigation measures is short.

Phase 6, the pandemic phase, is characterized by community level outbreaks in at least one other country in a different WHO region in addition to the criteria defined in Phase 5. Designation of this phase will indicate that a global pandemic is under way.

During the post-peak period, pandemic disease levels in most countries with adequate surveillance will have dropped below peak observed levels. The post-peak period signifies that pandemic activity appears to be decreasing; however, it is uncertain if additional waves will occur and countries will need to be prepared for a second wave.

Previous pandemics have been characterized by waves of activity spread over months. Once the level of disease activity drops, a critical communications task will be to balance this information with the possibility of another wave. Pandemic waves can be separated by months and an immediate “at-ease” signal may be premature.

In the post-pandemic period, influenza disease activity will have returned to levels normally seen for seasonal influenza. It is expected that the pandemic virus will behave as a seasonal influenza A virus. At this stage, it is important to maintain surveillance and update pandemic preparedness and response plans accordingly. An intensive phase of recovery and evaluation may be required.

Kata-Kata Aluan

Assalamualaikum dan salam sejahtera kepada sesiapa jua yang sudi menjenguk blog saya yang baru saja dibentuk..untuk pengetahuan semua ini adalah hasil nurkilan pertama dari saya untuk blog yang sedang dan dalam proses pembikinan..pada malam yang cukup indah lagi permai ini saya ingin berkongsi sedikit sebanyak dengan rakan-rakan mengenai beberapa isu yang sedang hangat diperkatakan pada masa sekarang. Sebagai pelajar jurusan Ijazah Sarjana Muda Sains (Bioteknologi) dari Universiti Malaysia Sabah saya cukup berbangga kerana menjadi seorang rakyat Malaysia. "Satu Malaysia" itulah yang sering kita dengar di seluruh pelusuk negara tapi persoalannya adakah kita sebagai rakyat yang mempunyai semangat petriotisme yang tinggi memahami apakah sebenarnya yang dimaksudkan dengan slogan Satu Malaysia yang sering kita laungkan. Bagi saya slogan tersebut sebenarnya memberi erti kepada kita setiap kaum dan suku yang ada di Malaysia tidak kira Melayu, Cina, India dan sebagainya adalah sama yang dibentuk berteraskan satu prinsip iaitu "Rukun Negara". Sedarkah kita bahawasanya prinsip yang kita pegang ini membantu kita mencapai apa yang kita kecapi sekarang ini iaitu keteguhan dari segi aspek perpaduan, kematangan dari segi kestabilan politik dan keunggulan dalam semua bidang yang kita ceburi.