Just saying

Dear Mother, I take this opportunity to educate you about the importance of hand washing with soap. Children should be taught to wash their hands on five key occasions: before eating breakfast, lunch and dinner, after visiting the toilet and during their bath. This culture should be instilled in them so that even as they grow they continue with it. Did you know that over five children die every day due to diarrhoea? It is worse in Africa. Diarrhoea cases are often times caused by contaminated food and/or water. If you can get children to wash their hands before handling food and after visiting the toilet, they can be protected from this deadly disease. As a mother, you also need to wash your hands before preparing food at all times. Avoid giving children foods and drinks that may be contaminated. It is also your duty to educate other adults who may be ignorant of this fact. Take charge and save innocent lives! Always, MinZeph.

Humans were infected by a virus that circulates in pigs. This virus is known as the variant swine flu H3N2. Since they are not originally human viruses, they are referred to as variant viruses.  They are simply known as influenza viruses when they circulate in pigs. So how did pig viruses attack the human race? Well, do not be mistaken, you cannot get the virus by eating pig products that are infected with the virus. People get infected with swine flu just the same way as any other influenza infection. The only difference is adaptation to the new organism. Statics show that since July 2012 there has been an increase on the number of people infected by the virus; 297 people from 12 different states were reported to have been infected with an influenza A H3N2 variant virus  (H3N2v). In 2011, only 12 people were infected with the virus in the same states. So if you find yourself with a “different” kind of flu, rush to get a check-up just to be sure. Better safe than sorry...