After human genome sequence, scientist duo looks ahead

They have taken India to the elite club of countries that have successfully sequenced the human genome. But for Vinod Scaria and Sridhar Sivasubbu — the two young scientists from the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), who have achieved the historic feat — work has just begun.

They believe sequencing of one human genome is only the first step — the challenge is to look at varied genomes and apply the knowledge for clinical application of various complex diseases. So, while congratulatory messages kept pouring in, it was business as usual for the two masterminds.

Success is not new to Scaria and Sivasubbu — one a 28-year-old doctor-turned-scientist, the other a molecular biologist in his late 30s. Together, they decoded the genome of a zebrafish in April this year. The positive result, they say, prompted them to go for a similar experiment with human genome.

“The genome of a zebrafish is approximately half the size of a human genome but it was a very good model,” Sivasubbu told Newsline, “and that gave us the confidence. But it was a high-risk game and not many at the Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (or IGIB, where the two work) knew about the project. We deliberately kept a low profile.”

Working together for nearly two years now, the two say they have a penchant for taking up high-risk projects and believe CSIR allows them to do so by ensuring a large amount of funding and providing the right scientific ambience. Scaria was also part of the IGIB team that had, in 2005, discovered that microRNA, the tiny segments of genetic material found in humans, have an anti-viral effect on HIV.

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How to Eat Healthy - Tips

Eating healthy isn't always easy. Today's hectic lifestyle can often leave us struggling to maintain healthy eating habits while constantly on the go. Families are busier then ever and more often than not, the healthy choice is not the easy choice. But with a little planning there are ways to make sure we are getting the valuable nutrients our bodies need to stay healthy. Here are a few tips to get you started:

* Eat a variety of nutrient-rich foods

You need more than 40 different nutrients for good health, and no single food supplies them all. Your daily food selection should include bread and other whole-grain products; fruits; vegetables; dairy products; and meat, poultry, fish and other protein foods.
* Enjoy plenty of whole grains, fruits and vegetables

Surveys show most people don't eat enough of these foods. Do you eat 6-11 servings from the bread, rice, cereal and pasta group, 3 of which should be whole grains? Do you eat 2-4 servings of fruit and 3-5 servings of vegetables? If you don't enjoy some of these at first, give them another chance. Look through cookbooks for tasty ways to prepare unfamiliar foods.
* Eat moderate portions

If you keep portion sizes reasonable, it's easier to eat the foods you want and stay healthy. Did you know that recommended serving of cooked meat is 85 gram (3 ounces), similar in size to a deck of playing cards? A medium piece of fruit is 1 serving and a cup of pasta equals 2 servings. A pint of ice cream contains 4 servings.
* Limit sugary foods, salt, and refined-grain products

Sugar is added to a vast array of foods. In a year, just one daily 300 ml (around 10-ounce) can of soft drink (130 calories) can increase your weight by around 6 kg (13 pounds). See suggestions below for limiting salt and substituting whole grains for refined grains:
o Eat whole-grain breakfast cereals, such as wheat flakes, shredded wheat, muesli, and oatmeal. Bran cereals are not actually whole-grain cereals, but their high fiber content also makes them a good breakfast choice.
o Substitute whole-grain breads, rolls, tortillas, and crackers for those made from refined grains.
o Substitute whole-wheat pasta or pasta made from 50% whole wheat and 50% white flour for conventional pastas.
o Choose fruits and vegetables often. They contain very little salt unless it is added in processing.
o Read the Nutrition Facts Label to compare and help identify foods lower in sodium.
o Choose fresh or frozen fish, shellfish, poultry, and meat most often. They are lower in salt than most canned and processed forms.
* Drink more water

Our bodies are about 75% water. It is a vital part of a healthy diet. Water helps flush our systems, especially the kidneys and bladder, of waste products and toxins.
* Keep fat to a minimum

Adult diets should be low in fat, especially saturated fat. Saturated fat, which is the predominant fat in animal products, is more easily deposited as fat tissue than unsaturated fats. Saturated fat can also be converted into cholesterol and cause blood cholesterol levels to rise. Small amounts of polyunsaturated and mono-unsaturated fats may have some health benefits when they are part of a healthy diet.
* Eat regular meals

Skipping meals can lead to out-of-control hunger, often resulting in overeating. When you're very hungry, it's also tempting to forget about good nutrition. Snacking between meals can help curb hunger, but don't eat so much that your snack becomes an entire meal.
* Reduce, don't eliminate certain foods

Most people eat for pleasure as well as nutrition. If your favorite foods are high in fat, salt or sugar, the key is moderating how much of these foods you eat and how often you eat them.
* Drink alcohol in moderation

A healthy diet can include a moderate amount of alcohol (men should drink less than two standard drinks per day and women less than one standard drink per day). Alcohol should not be given to children.
* Watch those snacks

Why do we eat snacks? They taste great, they're easy, and they satisfy our sweet and salt cravings. And, let's face it, crunchy food is fun. However, some snack foods are high in fat & salt.
* Keep a food journal

The most important tool for weight loss or any dietary change is a food diary (in which you keep note of every single thing you eat throughout the day for at least a week). It helps you track what you're eating, makes you accountable and makes it easier for you to identify areas for change.
* Get on the move

As we have seen, too many calories and not enough activity can result in weight gain. Moderate physical activity helps burn off those extra calories. It is also good for the heart and circulatory system and for general health and well-being. So, make physical activity part of your daily routine. Use the stairs instead of the lift/elevator (up and down!). Park your car a little further. Go for a walk in your lunch break. You don't have to be an athlete to get on the move!
* Take time to chew your food

Chew your food slowly, savoring every bite. We tend to rush though our meals, forgetting to actually taste the flavors and feel the textures of what is in our mouths. Reconnect with the joy of eating.
* Avoid stress while eating

When we are stressed, our digestion can be compromised, causing problems like colitis and heartburn. Avoid eating while working, driving, arguing, or watching TV (especially disturbing programs or the news). Try taking some deep breaths prior to beginning your meal, or light candles and play soothing music to create a relaxing atmosphere.
* Eat early, eat often

Starting your day with a healthy breakfast can jumpstart your metabolism, and eating the majority of your daily caloric allotment early in the day gives your body time to work those calories off.

Finally, take one step at a time. Establishing new food habits is much easier if you focus on and take action on one food group or food fact at a time.

Read more:lifemojo.com

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ADD Your Ad Here Dont Cheat During Diet (Diet TIPS)

1) Don't ever skip breakfast. Eat something: a piece of toast, fruit, etc.

Your body's metabolism rate slows down at night and does not speed up again
until you eat something.If you wait until lunch to eat, that is 4 or more
hours that your body is burning calories at a lower rate. Eat something soon
after you get out of bed and your body will burn calories at a higher rate
until lunch. Also, don't go more than about 5 hours during the day without
eating. That causes you to eat more at meal time. Eat healthy, low-fat snacks
in between meals is you are going to go more than 5 hours without a meal

2) Right after eating a meal, especially dinner, go straight to the bathroom
to brush, floss, and mouthwash so that your mouth is feeling nice and clean-
this makes it less appealing to eat more (especially before
bedtime)

3) If you get hungry you should chew gum. Some people just like to chew
things. Chew gum while preparing meals or making lunch for the next day, to
prevent you from nibbling food while it is right in front of you.

4) I have noticed that if you eat your meals away from the T.V. and other
distracting places that you will enjoy your meal better and will take a
little longer to eat the meal. Also drink at least 2 glasses of water or one
glass of milk during your meal and you will feel fuller causing you to not go
back for seconds.(note: i suggest water, if drinking milk make it skim milk)

5) Weight in pounds multipled by 15 will equal the number of calories per day
to maintain that weight. 500 calories less per day will result in approx 1 lb
weight loss per week; 750 calories = 1 1/2 lbs per week; 1000 calories = 2 lbs
per week. Keep a daily diary of calorie intake. Fat, carbohydrates and protein
will automaticly adjust themselves to stay within alloted calories per day.

6) Keep healthy foods handy like fruit or vegetables in the fridge. Eat only
if hungry.

7) Keep a diary of your eating and your feelings, far away from the kitchen.
Document everything that you eat before you eat it. Describe how you feel
health wise as you progress. Describe how you feel when you cheat your self.

8) Soups are a great meal, they are filling, tasty, and healthy. *Soups may
be a good and filling meal, but healthy is debatable. Just look at the amount
of sodium in the most popular brands. Even the low sodium brands have more
in them than most other types of meals (with half the taste).

9) Never starve yourself, especially before going out to eat (or you will
binge). Never skip meals, you must have some kind of nourishment regularly
or your body's starvation defenses will kick in,lower your metabolism, and
store fat. Use nutritional meal replacements instead of skipping or eating
very low calorie meals.

10) Don't think that just because you are eating low fat/low calorie foods
that you can eat all that you want. The calories still add up and must be
burned off regardless of what kind of food you eat. Balance is key.

11) I would like to pass along a tip that I learned from a dietorganization whose overpaid legal team I just
heard from. First thing every morning have two tablespoons of lemon juice in eight ounces of water. The water can be cold or hot or anywhere in between.Of course, you sweeten it with an artificial sweetener. Apparently, citrus is Mother Nature's diuretic, and when drinking so many fluids, it helps keep one from retaining them.At that time, we were taught that "Minute Maid" frozen lemon juice (found in any grocery store's frozen juice department) was the best as it had no preservatives or additives. I still do this every morning that it is at all possible. Sometimes, especially when traveling, one does not wish to make too many rest stops, or the pure unsweetened lemon juice is not readily available. In either case, it's up to the individual.

12) Put on my workout suit (difference from the casual clothes I put on after
arriving home from work) around 8:30 p.m. That motivates and remind me that
after the children are bath and in bed. It's time to treat myself to working
out. And no matter how tired I am having on the workout suit helps.

13) In response to suggestion that you chew gum to relieve the need to chew,I disagree. I have read and been told that chewing gum merely stimulates the gastric juices. The saliva that is produced while chewing goes down to the stomach, thus fooling the stomach into thinking there is food to be digested. In my opinion and others, this merely causes you to be hungrier. I advise people drink a class of water or chew on (fine) ice .

14)(A)The Diabetic Diet is a great, health, easy way to diet. Ask your doctor
what he recommends and chances are it will be this one. It isn't just for
diabetics, but it does keep you HEALTHY while you diet.
(B)To figure out how many calories to have per day, take your target weight
and multiple by 13 if you are not active, 15 if you are moderatly active, and
17 if very active. This will provide you with the correct calories to eat per
day to support the weight you WANT to be. The extra weight will eventually go
away .

15) Just moving around burns calories. Maximize this potential by doing little
things all day. Instead of an elevator, take the stairs or my favorite, get a
long phone cord so that you can pace around while talking.

16) Drink plenty of water, especially cold water (i.e., with ice or from the
refrigerator). The body cannot use the water until it is warmed up to your body
temperature. The colder the water, the more energy the body must use to warm
the water, thus burning more calories.

17) In the line of 'eat slowly' to elaborate--Give your brain a chance to find
out that your stomach has received food. When you eat too fast you may think
you want more food, and the result is often painful.By eating at a calmer
pace, you let the brain know that the body has received food and you are much
less apt to want more; besides, food is to be enjoyed, not snarfed down like
a Vitamin C pill!

18) Eating small portions really does work for weight loss except you still
feel hungry because you see the small portions on your dinner plate. A
suggestion that was given to me was to eat your meals on a sandwich or dessert
plate.If your mind see's a full plate, it will register a full serving and you
don't seem to be as hungry when you're finished.

19) Fiber is excellent for weight loss and healthy too. Not only does it make
you feel full, it encourages bowel evacuation which cleans out your system. I
keep prunes on hand as well as Citricel (look for the fibers that don't en-
courage gas formation) and the health food stores now carry lots of very good
internal cleansers. All these work hand-in-hand with all that H2O you will be
drinking. And we have all read the scarey stuff out about colon cancer.Fiber
is linked with a reduced risk of colon cancer.

20) Here's a tip that the doctor told me: When ever you get cravings for some-
thing that you have no business with while you are on a diet...eat it, because
if you don't,you`ll probably eat up the whole refrigerator.

21) Here's a partial quote I say to myself when I want to cheat: "Even though
I overeat in private, my excess poundage is there for all the world to see
how foolish I have been." Those words help me not to cheat and help me stick
to my goal of weight loss.

22) I eat because I think it can solve my problems. When I have chocolate, it
cures headaches and mental blocks. When I am depressed, I have ice cream,
when I am angry, eating helps me calm down. After all that eating I get upset.
going to gain weight, then I eat more (try writing this down and stick to the
fridge) .

23) When dining out and the portions are too large, try over salting the extra
before you start eating. I find that it's easier to say no before I have even
taken a bite and no one else at the table has to know my willpower is weak!
Even though I've ruined the food, I'm always glad I did.(*note i would try
pepper...the salt is no good for you if you do give in and eat it)

24) just another quote for ya..Nothing tastes as good as being thin feels

25) when I feel bad about throwing away left-overs, I say "I'd rather waste it
than wear it".

26) Strange HINT* Add the cereal TO the milk instead of adding milk to the
cereal, and just sprinkle about 1/4 of what you think you'll eat, then add
more. WHY? First because its always crunchy then, and second, you'll eat MORE
cereal and less milk.

27) Keep variety in your diet. Make sure that at each meal you have a variety
of temperatures, textures, and flavors. This satisfies all cravings and you
will find that you eat less at each meal and are not hungry for snacks.
(*i cant see how this works but..)

28) Also, a cup of warm water with a teaspoon of tea and a tablespoon of cider
vinegar after every meal helps keep your weight down. It will also make you
sleep well and take away any tiredness. My friends and I have tried it and it
works!(* i suggest the cold water and sleep is good but more than 8hours/day
will slow down the metabolism rate) .

29) Tuna is virtually fat free and is good for any meal (even breakfast).
I've found that tuna can be mixed with any fat free salad dressing or plain
non-fat yogurt and it tastes better than mayo! Experiment with tuna, add
relish, tomato, basil, fat free swiss cheese.

30) I have found that if you have a tendency to snack a lot and have a sweet
tooth, keep some hard candy around instead of cookies and chocolate

31) Another one i do not believe but added...limit your caffine intake to
twice a day because caffine triggers your hunger...(i have never seen evidence
of this)

32) My tip for weight loss is to keep your hands busy. Since I've taken up
needlepoint, I don't feel the need to snack like I used to. Besides, I don't
want to get any food on my work. Even when watching television,I keep my
needlepoint nearby just in case I get the urge to snack. It really works!
(i have seen and heard of this one a few times now)

33) When eating out, order salad dressing to be served seperately, or use
lemon juice as a dressing. This saves many calories.

34) Generally, if I find myself craving ice cream, I know it means I've got a
low-grade thirst. If I drink water instead, the craving for ice cream usually
dissolves, and I don't indulge. Water makes all the difference when I'm
dieting. It chases the "I'm not hungry, I'll just pick" syndrome away and
flushs the system. It's also great for the skin.

35) This may sound silly, but it works for me.I like to go back for secondhelpings,but we know that's not a good idea. I divide my portions in half. I eat my meal, then go back for the other half. This way I can have my seconds without
over indulging!

36) Always eat your vegetables before any other parts of your meal. The bulky
roughage gives you a full feeling in your tummy. And since you are eating
them at the beginning of the meal, when you are most
hungry, you are almost guaranteed to eat them all!

37) The number one thing everyone who has an eating problem should do is-go
to the doctor!

38) Another thing I have found that helps is telling myself and everyone else
that I'm eatinghealthy, not dieting. You'd be amazed at what the word dieting
actually does to your mind! So eat healthy and train yourself to always eat
healthy and lose the weight.

39) (3 to 4 half hour sessions per week of cardio are recommended to speed up
your metabolism.)

40) When watching tv, change the channel or leave the room when those really
tempting commercials come on, like pizza or resteraunt ads!!Especially when
you are feeling hungry. Also watch exercise programs such as ESPN's Body
Shaping or Flex Appeal, they give helpful hints and have enough beautiful
bodies on the show for motivation!(*hey dont forget get up and switch the
channel leave the remote away, it is a good way to trick you to get extra
excercise)

41) A tip my doctor gave me: Don't drink anything while you are eating. He
told me this will make you have to chew longer, fill you up faster, and make
the meal more satisfying than if you are washing your half-chewed food down
with liquid. I've been eating that way for about a month now and it really
works. I have found that I eat much less but feel as though I've eaten more.

42) DRINK 6-8 GLASSES OF WATER EVERY DAY - washes down metabolized fat

43) Limit your fat intake to 20-50 grams per day.

44) Try using skim or 1% milk.

45) Make yogurt and cheese low-fat.

46) Cut off excess fat from meats concentrate on lean meats.

47) Try to avoid nuts.

48) Eat up to 6 veggies and up to 3 fruits a day.

49) Limit the servings of bread to one per meal.

50) Try avoiding or eliminating sweets.

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Home Remedies to Avoid Swine Flu:

Home Remedies to Avoid Swine Flu:

* Always cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing; ideally use something disposable like a tissue. Avoid touching your face, nose or mouth too frequently with your hands since swine flu appears to be transmitted through respiratory droplets in the same fashion as the common cold.

* Wash your hands frequently with soap and water since swine flu like other viruses can be contracted by touching objects contaminated by the virus. It's unsure how long the swine flu virus can survive on surrounding surfaces.



* Though alcohol based hand sanitizers don't routinely kill viruses they probably do offer some limited protection in preventing swine flu infections.

* If swine flu infections have been medically confirmed in your area consider avoiding large public gatherings. Individuals can be contagious with the swine flu virus for several day before demonstrating any signs or symptoms of infection. Be particularly careful about indoor gatherings where air circulates poorly.

* If you're really paranoid and don't mind looking odd then consider wearing a respiratory mask.. This barrier method does offer some basic protection against infection though not all masks are created equally. Higher quality masks capable of filtering out some respiratory infections are more expensive.

* If you start feeling ill with cold or flu-like symptoms do not go to work. Stay home and begin the usual home remedies for colds and flu. Contact your health care provider, local health department or hospital emergency room if your symptoms worsen or fail to improve for information about where to go to be screened for possible swine flu infection.

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What is H1N1 (swine flu)?

In order to support Miss mrina in her topic i have added thes reports abt swine flu
What is H1N1 (swine flu)?
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 this new 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.

Novel H1N1 Flu in Humans

Are there human infections with this H1N1 virus in the U.S.?
Yes. Cases of human infection with this 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.

Is this new H1N1 virus contagious?
CDC has determined that this new 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 this new 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 this new H1N1 virus?
It’s not known at this time how severe this virus will be in the general population. CDC is studying the medical histories of people who have been infected with this virus to determine whether some people may be at greater risk from infection, serious illness or hospitalization from the virus. 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 chronic medical conditions. It’s unknown at this time whether certain groups of people are at greater risk of serious flu-related complications from infection with this new virus. CDC also is conducting laboratory studies to see if certain people might have natural immunity to this virus, depending on their age.

How does this new H1N1 virus spread?
Spread of this 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 New H1N1 Flu

Can I get infected with this new H1N1 virus from eating or preparing pork?
No. H1N1 viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get this new 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 the 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 the new 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 the 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 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 this new 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.



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 new 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, except to seek medical care.

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 infection with this new virus?
Yes. CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with the new H1N1 flu virus. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) 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.

What is CDC’s recommendation regarding "swine flu parties"?
"Swine flu parties" are gatherings during which people have close contact with a person who has novel H1N1 flu in order to become infected with the virus. The intent of these parties is to become infected with what for many people has been a mild disease, in the hope of having natural immunity to the novel H1N1 flu virus that might circulate later and cause more severe disease.

CDC does not recommend "swine flu parties" as a way to protect against novel H1N1 flu in the future. While the disease seen in the current novel H1N1 flu outbreak has been mild for many people, it has been severe and even fatal for others. There is no way to predict with certainty what the outcome will be for an individual or, equally important, for others to whom the intentionally infected person may spread the virus.

CDC recommends that people with novel H1N1 flu avoid contact with others as much as possible. They should stay home from work or school for 7 days after the onset of illness or until at least 24 hours after symptoms have resolved, whichever is longer.

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.



THANXXXX for the Patience

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Access to care and support

People living with HIV have a wide range of care and support needs. These include psychosocial support as well as treatment for 'opportunistic infections' (the illnesses to which they become vulnerable as the immune system is destroyed by the virus). When their HIV infection reaches the stage that it becomes life-threatening, they require treatment with antiretroviral drugs.

However, the vast majority of people around the world do not yet have access to such services. Reaching out to them is a global priority.

AIDS-related care and support are key elements in the response to the epidemic: not only do they directly benefit people living with HIV, but they help also to reduce the social and economic impact of the epidemic and to boost HIV prevention.

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WORLD AIDS DAY2009

Greater involvement of people living with or affected by HIV/AIDS (GIPA)
People living with HIV understand each other's situation better than anyone and are often best placed to counsel one another and to represent their needs in decision- and policy-making forums.

The idea that the personal experiences of people living with HIV could and should be translated into helping to shape a response to the AIDS epidemic was first voiced in 1983 at a national AIDS conference in the USA. It was formally adopted as a principle at the Paris AIDS Summit in 1994, where 42 countries declared the Greater Involvement of People Living with HIV and AIDS (GIPA) to be critical to ethical and effective national responses to the epidemic.

Today the GIPA principle is the backbone of many interventions worldwide. People living with, or affected by HIV are involved in a wide variety of activities at all levels of the fight against AIDS; from appearing on posters, bearing personal testimony, and supporting and counseling others with HIV, to participating in major decision- and policy-making activities.

The engagement of people living with HIV is all the more urgent as countries scale up their national AIDS responses to achieve the goal of universal access to prevention, treatment, care and support services.

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UNAIDS GIPA Policy Position

No single agency can provide for the full spectrum of needs of people living with HIV: partnerships between actors are therefore needed. To enable the active engagement of people living with HIV, UNAIDS urges all actors to ensure that people living with HIV have the space and the practical support for their greater and more meaningful involvement.

Governments, international agencies and civil society must:

• set, implement and monitor minimum targets for the participation of people living with HIV, including women, young people and marginalized populations, in decision-making bodies. Selection processes should be inclusive, transparent and democratic; and
• involve people living with HIV in developing funding priorities and in the choice, design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of HIV programmes from their inception.

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