H1N1 - Facts & Prevention
by Connie Martin
The Mosque Foundation combined its monthly Arabic & English program in November to present a very important public health service advisory. Mosque Foundation President, Dr. Zaher Sahloul, along with Dr.  Shamse Tabriz, presented the facts along with common misconceptions about the highly publicized H1N1 Influenza, or Swine Flu, as it's more commonly known. H1N1, a contagious respiratory virus similar to seasonal influenza, has become a worldwide pandemic in recent months. While both the seasonal and H1N1 flu are viruses that cause mild to severe illness, the H1N1 is a new strain affecting more individuals under the age of 25.
Both Dr. Sahloul and Dr. Tabriz recommended the flu vaccine as a preventative measure against contracting this serious illness, especially for those with pre-existing chronic health conditions such as diabetes, asthma, or heart, liver, kidney or lung diseases. Simple everyday actions such as avoiding close contact with infected persons, covering the mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, and frequent hand washing with soap and water or an alcohol based hand sanitizer can significantly reduce the spread of flu germs. |