Swine Flu depresses Stock Market | Swine Flu Prevention

The Philippine stock market is on a downtrend since Monday due to the swine flu outbreak.    Traders are worried that consumers might refrain from traveling and spending on food perceived to be less safe due to the outbreak.  This brought a downtrend in the global markets which eventually affected our own market.  Today, main-share Philippine Stock Exchange index closed at 2,061.05 which is 2.02% lower than its closing price last Friday (April 24, 2009).

What is Swine Flu?

Swine Influenza or swine flu refers to influenza caused by a strain of the influenza virus endemic in pigs.  These strains rarely are able to pass from human to human until recently when outbreaks of the H1N1 strain has been found in Mexico and 6 other nations across the globe.

How is Swine flu spreading?

The virus is of the type Influenza A, and it contains DNA from avian, swine, and human H1N1 viruses.  It is passed on through sneezing, coughing, or when people pick up the virus on their hands.  The World Health Organization has ruled out any risk of infection from eating pork.

What are the symptoms of the Swine Flu virus?
The symptoms of swine flu are similar to those of influenza and influenza-like illness.  In general, this includes chills, fever, sore throat, muscle pains, severe headache, coughing, weakness, and general discomfort.  This strain has been reported to cause more severe vomiting and diarrhea.

What can I do to prevent from getting infected by Swine Flu?

The best proven way to protect from getting infection is to Wash you Hands!  Experts generally agree that face masks, like surgical masks, offer very little protection.  Therefore, the best way really is still to conscientiously wash your hands before putting them anywhere near your mouth and face.

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Personally, I have a friend who's coming to the Philippines for a vacation this weekend.  On his way here, he will be passing by three airports, greatly increasing his risk of exposure to the virus.  I hope he and all other air commuters arrive safely.

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