Swine Flu - The H1N1 Influenza A Virus

With the outbreak of the H1N1 influenza viral infections in several countries, and also several reported deaths in Mexico and the US, are we going to be facing a global spread anytime soon? Will there be a phenomena like the Spanish flu pandemic in 1918? Is there a reason to panic?

Well, maybe not yet. Although it's not imprudent for us to take extra precaution to prevent further spread of the disease as announced by WHO. For now, we should practice good hygiene (i.e. hand washing, masks), cover your mouth and nose when sneezing/coughing, and avoid public places if you're down with flu to avoid infecting other people. And make sure that you have a healthy immune system, because our immune system plays a vital role in combating viral infections. And no, antibiotics DO NOT work against viral infections and flu. Unless you have a secondary bacterial infection, only then you should be taking antibiotics. This is important because if antibiotics are used too often generally then there will be a bacterial resistance phenomena, which we definitely do not want to happen.

What's interesting is it's the same etiological agent for both the Spanish flu back then and the swine flu now which is the H1N1 influenza virus. Moreover, there were six genes from American swine flu that have been identified; they are a mixture of swine flu, bird flu, and human flu viruses, and it is also a virulent strain. And because of this the WHO has increased their alertness level to level 4 (on a scale of 6) to prevent transmission and a possible pandemic situation.

Should we be scared and paranoid? I don't think so. But it doesn't hurt to err on the side of caution, don't you think?

Prevention is definitely better than cure in this case.

UPDATE: The WHO has advised against the use of the 'Swine flu' term and instead we should be referring it as H1N1 Influenza A Viral Infection.

The Day When The Earth Shook

I've been here for almost 5 years now, and have experienced earthquakes TWICE. Thankfully though, it wasn't the earth-shattering ground-splitting type. It was more of a rumble and shake, thank God...

The first one was on September 27th 2004. It was exactly after 1 month we landed in Romania. At the time I was staying in an apartment on the 6th floor, couldn't really feel the first shake. But when it shook again a few seconds after that, my roommates and I grabbed our passports and jackets and ran downstairs! It was at night, and it was rather eerie coz the streets were filled with people and steam. At the time it felt surreal but we then met up with some of our friends a few blocks away and waited for things to calm down before going back to the house. Cuaklah jugak masa tu, isk...

The second time that I've experienced an earthquake was just yesterday, April 25th 2009. This time around even though the earthquake originated from Romania, we only felt a minor shake. At the time both Ms JZ and me were in the hallway having a lively conversation (i.e.mengumpat session, lol) when we suddenly felt the doors shaking. I was stunned, but thought that I had somehow experienced vertigo (ala-ala nak pitam gitu), while Ms JZ thought that someone had slammed the entrance door downstairs until our doors shook. Well, this was rather an acceptable explanation because we live in the first floor and my room is just above the entrance of the building (memang boleh sekodeng orang kuar masuk from my room's balcony, hehe). But out of curiosity I took a peek out of the kitchen window and saw people running out of the opposite block like as if there was a fire or something. It was only then that it had occured to us that it was an earthquake! Talk about clueless, lol...

So, having had the honour of experiencing 2 earthquakes in my 5 years here, and being the paranoid freak that I am, can anyone blame me for having a pre-packed bag containing several essential items in case of emergencies?

And no Erin, not only expecting mothers have the emergency bag, I do too!!

Yup, confirm. Your friend is a paranoid freak... ^_^

Reel Time

Definite must-sees on my list:

1. Angels & Demons - Another of Dan Brown's masterpiece presented on film directed by Ron Howard

2. Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen - A sequel with more action and adventure directed by Michael Bay

3. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince - Based on book 6 of the series by J.K.Rowling and directed by David Yates

4. Ghosts of Girlfriends Past - Starring the delectable Matthew McConaughey and Jennifer Garner


and last but not least...

5. X-Men Origins: Wolverine - More of Hugh Jackman? Bring it on!

So, movie date anyone? ^_^

When I'm Home Alone...

..... I bake. A lot. It's Easter break and I'm stuck at home here, so what else to do but cook and bake, heheh...

What I had: Baked chicken (with 3 types of seasonings/marinades = sour cream+mushrooms, lemon+herbs, tandoori style), baked pasta (creamy baked pasta, mac&cheese, tuna casserole with tonnnes of cheese on top), pastries (butter, cheese and also chocolate filling), chicken curry with lots and lots of potatoes, ayam masak lemak cili padi (which was waaaaay too hot for me! Nasib baik tak kena diarrhea, lol...) and maybe tomorrow I might bake a banana cake if I could find a couple of ripe bananas today. Yummmm....

And suddenly yesterday I was hankering for some roti canai banjir! Sabar jelah... Since I've no patience (and skills) to make it from scratch, I decided to improvise and make them using some ready-made pastry dough that I've found in my fridge. Had to use lots and lots of oil (got no ghee), some sprinkled sugar, pan frying, and voila! And guess what, they turned out good! I was surprised myself, but when I had them with some fish-less fish curry with potatoes and carrots, oh my oh my oh my..... I even made some mamak tea (used fresh milk instead of condensed milk) to accompany my meal..... Ahhhh.... a little piece of heaven from home.....

Oh dear, all this free time and good food is so not good for me, I know. So don't be surprised to see me bloated up and round when school starts next week mi amigos!

Apart from cooking up a storm, I do go out and stretch my legs. The weather currently is so fine, and last sunday was Easter for the Orthodox. Went gallivanting around town and sat in the park for hours enjoying the sunshine. It was kinda peaceful this week, thanks to the fact that the city is almost empty because most of the students had gone back to their hometowns for the holidays. You see, Iasi is a kinda like a college/university town; it's quite small but has quite a number of colleges around here. So, the usual crowds during normal semester would consist of mainly students, while during the holidays (eg. Easter, Christmas, summer) it's practically quiet around here.

Hmmm...maybe I should go and settle my internet bill today coz it's so nice and breezy outside. Could just pay in the bank downstairs, but why not take a tram and a stroll to their office, eh? And since I have the student's transportation pass that enables me to hop on and off any busses, trams or maxi-taxis (like a van), I could go wherever I want (within the city's limits of course)!

Hope you guys are enjoying your holidays!

Birthday Girl

HAPPY 6th BIRTHDAY ELISSA!

Auntie wishes you all the best in the world and here's a big hug & kisses for you, mmmuaaaaah!

On Bended Knees

Today was a day of proposals. Why?

1. In real-time:
My dear friend and classmate, Ms.MCL is now engaged! And it all happened in Ophthalmology lab just now. Her bf (now fiance) actually got down on one knee, told her that she was the only woman that he wants to spend his life with, and asked her if she would do him the honour of being his wife! It was a lovely and sweet surprise; I knew I was gaping throughout and our lecturer (and some of the strapping macho guys in the class, heheh) were moved to tears. It was kinda like one of those Hallmark moments, because the love that they had for each other really shone so bright that it was almost blinding. But the best part of it is that I've actually had the chance of watching something like that with my very own eyes and not only on TV. How cool is that! I am really happy for her, and wish nothing but the best for both of them.

Congrats my dear MCL! May your lives together will be full of love, joy & laughter forever and ever...


2. On reel-time
This was about something on the House tv show. Yeah, I'm fan, and have been faithfully following each and every episode without fail. I really love the show, but needless to say after the shocking (to me at least) twist in the previous episode (S5 Ep20) regarding the untimely and rather gruesome and tragic passing of one of my favourite characters, Kutner (he was supposedly to have shot himself due to unexplained reasons), I did not expect that the writers would come up with another surprise in the show in S5 Ep.21 when Chase got down on one knee and proposed to Cameron! And this I watched on the telly just a few hours after the real-time proposal in class! Seems like spring and wedding bells are in the air.....


So, the conclusion is:
"Love is in the air, everywhere we look around...."


p/s: Am trying to compile plausible answers for one of the most dreaded questions that will defintely be thrown at me during my cousin's wedding party this summer. Ideas anyone??

Hibernate Mode...

Salut!

We have just started our Easter break, so now I could finally finish up the posts that are currently in the draft folder. I know it has been a while since I last updated this blog, but things have been pretty hectic lately that I found myself unable to even compose a coherent paragraph.

But even with the packed schedule and on-calls, I am really having a blast! It's kinda funny coz --> Medicine=Fun -- is deemed impossible. Maybe it's something in the air, maybe it's the current lovely weather, or maybe it's the fact that I am in the 'zone' where life is like looking through a rose-coloured glass. Well, whatever the reason is, I am grateful and thankful for His mercy, love, and abundant bestowals in whatever form they may be. Alhamdulillah....

Alrighty then, back to draft board!
But, uhuh, maybe I could do with some shut-eye and mental cleansing before attempting those. So, see y'all (not too) soon okay!

Toodles!!

And to my Orthodox friends:

PASTE FERICITA !!

My Mosaic, My Life

1. My first name
2. My favorite food
3. My high school
4. My favorite color
5. My celebrity crush
6. My favorite drink
7. My dream vacation
8. My favorite dessert
9. What I want to be when I grow up
10. What I love most in life
11. One word to describe me
12. My flickr name

Numerology Personal Profile

Just for fun and as a cure for boredom during the weekend...

OVERVIEW

There are several different sides to your character but your energy is primarily pointed in two contrary directions. A good part of you is free-spirited and adventurous -- at least in spirit but often in fact -- and doesn't want to be restrained in any way. Another strong side of you tends to be introspective and reserved, concerned with inner needs and private projects. During your youth and young adulthood, you'll struggle to balance your need to do your own thing with enthusiasm and excitement with the equally strong necessity of spending time alone in study or contemplation. You'll probably sometimes take care of one and sometimes the other, but rarely to your complete satisfaction. As you get older, you'll probably learn how to balance your free-spirited side with your studious, solitary side so that you can feel comfortable with both.


YOUR FREE-WHEELING CREATIVITY -- HOW IT WORKS FOR AND AGAINST YOU

Your 5 Life Path And 3 Birthday

You were born with considerable versatility -- the ability to do almost anything you attempt with superior skill. As you can imagine, this innate capacity allows you a boundless freedom most people can only dream about. One of your major lessons in life is to learn to use this freedom constructively. Since you have so many talents and so many opportunities for the use of those talents, you probably have to learn to focus your energies on a limited number of ventures rather than attempt to take advantage of all the possibilities.

When you want to, you can express your joy in living by socializing, either with many friends in varied activities or in the company of a few intimates engaged in quiet diversions. You probably also express yourself in some form of creative activity.


YOUR FINE ANALYTICAL MIND, SPIRITUAL AWARENESS -- AND INTROSPECTIVE SIDE

Your 7 Expression

That versatile and creative side is a primary part of your makeup. There are other aspects of your personality which contribute to the overall picture even though they're of lesser influence than your versatile side. If there are any conflicts between your free-spirited traits and the other characteristics, your free-spirited side usually wins out.

You have a fine analytical mind and are capable of much in the way of learning. Others will recognize your potential to understand fundamental truths as well as your capacity to search for ultimate meanings. They may turn to you for your knowledge and, perhaps, the benefits of your wisdom, too. You may choose a line of work involving complex technical, scientific or philosophical studies. You probably also spend time working to achieve the peace of mind that is important to you.

True or not? Entah...