Born on August 29, 1958 in Gary, Indiana, Michael Jackson was the seventh child of the family of nine. They were six brothers and three sisters – Sigmund, Toriano, Jermaine, Marlon, Michael, Steven, Rebbie, Janet and La-Toya. He started his career by becoming the lead singer of the band Jackson 5, at the age of five. The other band members were Jackie, Jermaine, Tito and Marlon.
Initially they played at local parties and clubs and also entered competitions which allowed them to formed as a band. They got their first big success in 1968 when Bobby Taylor and The Vancouvers heard about the Jackson 5 and got them auditioned for Berry Gordy of Motown Records. They were signed up immediately and they moved to California. “I want you back”, “The love you save” and “I’ll be there” were among their first few singles which became big hits of America. They made fourteen albums with Motown till 1976 and Michael Jackson recorded four other albums. They later signed up with Epic and they changed their group name The Jacksons, as Jackson 5 was the copyright of Motown. They recorded a total of six albums with Epic many of them being great hits until 1984.
Michael Jackson King of Pop met Quincy Jones on the sets of “The Wiz”, which was also his film launching. He played the role of crow along with Diana Ross who played Dorothy. He recorded “Off The Wall” with Quincy, who was the producer. It was the first album whose all four songs were US #1 singles and was a hit all over the world. “Thriller” was the largest selling album of all time, which was released in 1982. More than fifty million copies of the album were sold worldwide and the album had seven hits.
Michael Jackson laid great emphasis on the videos. He called them as short films of his albums and chose the best producers and directors to work with. He even used special effects and the latest technologies, in his hit song “Billie Jean”. Superior stage dancing was combined with detailed make-up to make this fourteen minute long video. This short film boosted the sales of the album, It became the world’s largest selling home video.
In the year 1984 Michael Jackson for the first time performed his trademark moonwalk. He won eight Grammy in one night for the album “Thriller” and the narrative work on ET Storybook, breaking all records. He announced, on December 9, 1984 that he is splitting with The Jacksons on his last concert of The Jackson’s Victory tour. After that he released his next album in 1987 named “Bad”.
Michael Jackson King of Pop wrote his autobiography in 1987 which spoke in detailed about his personal life and singing career. He was given the title of the Artist of the Decade for his albums “Thriller” and “Bad”. He released his fourth album “Dangerous” in collaboration with Sony Music in 1991.
After his first solo world tour in 1987 he set off for another world tour in 1992. His song “Heal the World” was written about the pages of history and gained the hearts of many. In the same year Michael Jackson started “Heal the World Foundation” for the homeless and orphan children of the world.
King of Pop Michael Jackson’s marriage with Lisa Marie Presley, daughter of the legendary Elvis Presley lasted for only one and a half year and they were divorced in 1996. During that period he released his fifth album “History” in 1995. To promote that album this time he took a world tour for two years. Debbie Rowe was his second wife and also his nurse when he was getting treatment for skin problem. They had a child named Prince Michael Joseph Jackson Jr. who was born on February 13, 1997. The succeeding year they were gifted with a daughter Paris Michael Katherine Jackson who was born on April 3, 1998.
“Blood on the Dance Floor” was Michael Jackson’s sixth solo album, which was released in 1997. He also made a thirty eight minute short film named Ghost to promote his album, in which he played five different characters. He reunited with his ” The Jacksons” on his concert in New York to celebrate his thirteenth anniversary as a solo artist. Many other superstars shared the stage with him like Whitney Houston, Destiny’s Child, Shaggy and others. He released” Invisible” and “You Rock My World in 2001″.
Micheal Jackson had his own share of controversies in recent years when he was accused of child abuse charges. After going through years of trauma he was finally acquitted.
Paramedics took Michael Jackson King of Pop, 50, from his west Los Angeles home Thursday 25, Jun 2009 afternoon to UCLA Medical Center, where a team of physicians attempted to resuscitate him for more than an hour, said brother Jermaine Jackson. He said the famed singer was pronounced dead at 2:26 p.m. PT.
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King of Pop Michael Jackson’s Performance Of Billie Jean-In 2001-30th Anniversary Special video
3G services for mobile devices have been introduced by different handset creators and cellular companies. The companies, however, are not very good at explaining the precise details, except for a given few. There seems to misconceives link between the current standard from previous services provided by 2.5G or 2G technology. Knowing the types and details will help you pick the right instruments for your personal use or business. Here are some features.
What is 3G ?
3G cellular technology is defined as the provision of wireless broadband data and information services right to a person’s mobile unit. Compared to the previous technologies, 3G promises speeds ranging from 144 Kbps up to 2.4 Mbps, which is very near cable-modem speed. The networks of 3G allows you to browse quickly through web pages, watch on-demand video programs, download and play music, videos and 3D games, watch streaming videos and music videos and have a video conference with others located on the other side of the plantnet.
Further Developments
The HSDPA is a new technology, which may also be called 3.5G, coming very soon. This offers fasters speeds of up to 7.2 Mbps and also promises the likes of 14.4 Mbps very soon. The interface is very much different on a cellular phone, but other experiences like downloading, streaming, web browsing and sending messages and email can be very comparable to a computer broadband connection.
As of now, there are 3 big carriers that introduced and launched 3G services. There is also a wide array of 3G-enabled handsets now. In early 2005, Verizon Wireless first marketed the devices. Sprint and Cingular followed soon after. Cingular is now known as AT&T. T-Mobile is also joining the battle field as it introduces its new 3G network in 2008.
The approaches
Currently, 3G technology is the most recent in mobile communications. 3G is the shorter term for third generation, making analogue cellular technology generation one and digital/PCS generation two. The 3G technology is planned and devised for the real multimedia cellular phone, also known as smart phones. These tools feature higher bandwidths and transfer rates to cater to web-based applications and phone-based video and audio data files.
The most common include CDMA2000, which is based on code division multiple access, TD-SCDMA, which stands for Time-division Synchronous Code-division Multiple Access and WCDMA or UMTS which stands for Wideband Code Division Multiple Access.
The Networks
3G networks have the capability of transferring speeds up to 3 Mbps which is equivalent to around 15 seconds for every download of a 3-minute MP3 song. To compare, the speediest 3G cellular phones can move speeds up to 144 Kbps, which is equivalent to around 8 minutes to download a 3-minute MP3 song. The high data rates of 3G are recommended when downloading or acquiring information online, in addition to sending and receiving huge multimedia files.
3G phones are comparable to small laptops that can cater to several broadband applications like browsing the internet, receiving streaming videos online, video conferencing and sending and receiving faxes. The soaring towers are among the most important element of the group, allowing the data to be transferred from one phone to another. 3G basically is a cellular phone network protocol.
You will be able to get more info about smartphones by visiting the manufacturer web site.
Pursuing your passion brings individual power and awakens yourself to the great thing about the world. It leads you to the center of immaterial journey as it alters your thinking, perceptions, and beliefs. Finding your passion doesn’t promise an easy life rather a rich life open up to hopes and possibility.
1. Address your truths clearly – To find out your passion you must speak your truths and prepare yourself to new ventures. Know what really interest you? What truly makes you happy? Recognize the things you do best and makes you feel accomplished.
2. Open up your senses – When you open up your good senses, you tend experience God’s blessings and you feel more peaceful and tranquil. These allow you to be more enduring and be reminded the cycle of nature. When you experience this you become a lot more positive and calm.
3. Be open up for support – You must also bear in mind that you are not alone – you need the support of family, friends and positive-minded society that will help you achieve your goals.
4. Devote yourself a time for pleasure – Waking up in the morning stay away from busy schedules and having the freedom to do things that brings you pleasure? To find your passion you must set aside yourself ample time for pleasure. For many people, allowing pleasures brings on guilt as it is not productive and hampers you from getting important things completed. Simply these view of pleasure is actually a matter of opinion. Ample pleasures are good to your health and is productive. By allowing yourself time for pleasure you become more focused and passionate in your job.
5. Set yourself free – A person who finds his passion is a truly sensible person. Doing a work that reflects your personality and values promises you a lifelong happiness and contentment. It’s easier and liberating when we accept who we are and we allow others to accept us too. The human psyche is a holistic system, to numb one part of our being is to numb the rest and create constant struggle (Finding Joy, 15).
6. Feed yourself with assertions – Assertions are crucial in finding your passion in life as it makes you feel secure and affirmative about reaching your goals. Many people do not get to their destinations out from fear of failure. You should allow yourself to experience upset by some downturns but remind yourself to pull yourself together past and get on track again. Some people might influence you into thinking negative. It’s not so easy to exclude them out of your life. But it’s easier to exercise blocking the negative energies that they bring into your life. It holds back your sanity.
Finding your passion is an continuous effort. When you do the things that you are enthusiastic about you allow your life to prosper. You let yourself associate to everything you’re – in mind, in heart, and in spirit. You are a stronger individual that can face challenges better because you are strengthened by being able to do the things you passion. You feel more active, confident, self-respecting, and determined. You live your life with confidence and high morale. And you feel you are imparting goodness and positivity to the people in your life.
Blog marketing is easy if you know what to do. You have to be persistent and want success however if you want your blog to do well. You cannot just make a post and forget about it. You have to continue updating your blog and marketing it so that it will become popular and one that everyone wants to read. There are other ways as well that are good marketing your blog. Keep reading for more information.
Interviewing people and posting it on your blog is an excellent way to market it. Just be sure that the people that you interview pertain to the market of your blog. You want all of your posts to be relevant, including any interviews that you might do. For example, if your blog market was vacuum cleaners, and you did an interview with the owner of Hoover vacuum cleaner; that would definitely pertain to your market.
If you hear any news on the market of your blog, be sure that you post it. Everyone loves news, and event he readers of your blog will appreciate you blogging about the current events in the market that you are blogging about. Something to keep in mind when blogging about the news is the more current the news, the better. No one wants to reread old news, so it is a great idea to try and stay as current as possible when you are blogging about the news.
Contests are another way that you effectively market your blog. Having contests on various things would be a lot of fun, and something that will keep your readers coming back. Everyone loves to win things, and you can also make the prize that you are giving away relevant to the market you are promoting on your blog.
While good content is something that you will need for your blog, you also want to ensure that it is original content as well. You can market a blog with something that is copied and that you do not own the rights. Plagiarism will get you in trouble with Google as well as the person that originally wrote the content. Be sure that all of your posts are ones that only you own the rights too. This is a great thing to know and do when you are marketing your blog.
Press releases are also an excellent way to market your blog. Sending out a press release or having one made for you is a great idea. You will find that they are even affordable for most budgets, and some companies offer a package deal.
Comments on a blog are also a very important aspect of blog marketing. You will want to be sure that you always answer and acknowledge the comments that are made to your blog as well as others. When you show that you are an actual person that can hold a conversation, you are showing others that you are real and that you really and truly have the best intentions for your blog. Make sure that no comment goes unanswered.
Marketing a blog comes naturally for some and can be a little harder to focus on for others. Another important thing that you will want to do for your blog is to be sure that you find links. Exchange links, get one way links, and ask for more and more links. You will never have enough links to your blog. The more links the better in this case.
Blog marketing is not hard to do. Just be sure that you follow all of the proven and tried techniques that others are talking about and you won’t go wrong. Patience and dedication will pay off in the long run.
Whether you are new to blogging or not we always want more ideas to drive readers to our blog pages. Marketing your blog the right way will give you the results that you are looking for. You are going to find that you can not just make a blog, post in it a couple of times, and then expect for the world to find you. That just will not happen how much you wish for it. However, you can market your blog effectively, and get the results that you are looking for.
To begin blog marketing you first need a blog. The next step is to ensure that your blog is updated frequently. Post content in your blog regularly for the best results. Some will post once a day and others once a week. Whichever it is, be consistent with it and know that it will pay off to continue posting as you should. This is a great way to get started with blog marketing. You wont have a blog to market if you do not post in it regularly.
While most free blogs all look the same, you can make sure that your blog design stands out. You don’t want your blog to look and feel like everyone else’s, so make it different. Having your own look is a huge plus in the blog marketing world. You will find that most blogs all look the same and you can have your own look by just using HTML and adjusting the code to suit your taste. You are going to see that this will truly make a difference with your blog as well as your readers. Try to get a theme that is going to match the market that you are promoting in your blog. Doing so will make it look even more professional. You don’t want your readers to confuse your blog with others do you? If this is something that you are concerned about, you will definitely want to make sure that you change yours to make more personable. However, if you are not worried about it or concerned about it in the least, you can leave the design as one of the free templates that you see so frequently used.
Something else that will help you with your blog marketing is exchanging links with authority blogs and websites that are in your same market is another great way to get the word out about your blog. The authority sites are going to have a higher page rank, and will also be listed high in Google’s search results. So do some searches and check those out and see if they are up to exchanging links. If they are not, you could always just add those into your blog roll. You do not need permission to do that if they are not into linking. However, in the world of blogs, most blog owners are thankful for all links, and are willing to return the favor. This is a great way to market your blog that some do not think about or use. If you use this technique to get your blog seen, you will not be sorry. It is a trick you can even use to market your website.
The time we spend with our families is priceless. But most popular family activities are quite expensive. Even a simple night at the movies can put a serious dent in the budget by the time you buy tickets, popcorn and drinks for everyone.
Fortunately, there are cheaper alternatives to expensive family outings. They provide the opportunity to have just as much fun at a fraction of the cost. Some are even free.
Movies and Music
Kids are often itching to see the newest releases at the movie theater. Doing so even once a month, however, can get pricey. One alternative in some areas is the drive-in. Admission is usually much cheaper than it is at a regular theater, and some let you bring your own drinks and snacks. Drive-ins usually show fairly new releases, so the kids can say they saw something that’s not out on video yet.
Some theaters offer reduced-price matinees during the day. Some even have free kid-oriented movies on weekend days. These options offer the theater experience without the outrageous cost.
Kids often want to go to concerts, but tickets to see the most famous bands are far from cheap. Check your local paper for free concerts in the park. Many areas have them during the warm months. Young children can enjoy the music without the huge crowds and deafening sound systems, and older children might gain an appreciation for less well-known bands.
The Great Outdoors
Nature offers a wealth of possibilities for family outings. Camping is a wonderful activity for families, and it doesn’t have to be expensive. It can be as simple as pitching a tent in the back yard, or you can spring for a camper and rent space at a campground. Bring the grill and some hamburgers or hot dogs, or catch some fish to fry.
Parks are great for day trips. Those with playground equipment can keep youngsters entertained for hours on end. Hiking trails offer opportunities for exercise and exploration. Most parks have picnic facilities, so you can pack a lunch instead of eating out.
Other Ideas
Here are some more inexpensive family activities to consider:
* Play miniature golf. Admission is usually quite reasonable, and it provides the opportunity for relaxed yet engaging family competition.
* Visit a petting zoo. These small zoos do not have the exotic animals you see at larger ones, but kids can feed and pet the animals.
* Go to a museum. Some offer cheap or free admission, while others cost more. But the larger and more expensive ones often sell season passes, so if you live close by, you can visit numerous times for one low price.
* Go boating. If you’re fortunate enough to live near a body of water, boating is fun and relaxing. Canoe and paddleboat rentals are inexpensive, and when you’re done boating there are usually other cheap or free activities in the area.
* Attend events at a nearby college. These may include plays, concerts, dance recitals and movie showings. Prices are low, and student discounts usually apply to kids, too.
Having fun as a family doesn’t require a six-figure income. If you look hard enough, you can find lots of free or cheap activities that parents and kids can enjoy just about anywhere.
Living on a budget is the key to financial freedom, but getting started can be frustrating. When we look at our expenses and see all of those bills we’re paying every month, it’s easy to throw our hands up in disgust. But what about all those little expenses we incur? You might be surprised to find out just how much they amount to.
It’s easy to dismiss cutting back on little things. A few dollars a month won’t make a significant difference in the big picture. But a few dollars here and a few dollars there adds up to a few more dollars. When you cut back in a lot of small ways, you could end up with a lot more money at the end of the month.
Waste Not, Want Not
One thing we can do that is good for the budget is stop wasting so much. This can apply to many areas in our lives. From eating to home heating, waste equals money going down the drain unnecessarily.
Cooking for the family instead of eating takeout or dining out is a great way to save money. But if you’re throwing food out, the benefit is reduced. So if you have leftovers, don’t let them end up in the trash. Some dishes freeze well, and this makes for easy dinners when you don’t have time to cook. You could also eat dinner leftovers for lunch the following day.
If your home is not well insulated, you’re probably wasting lots of money on home heating and cooling. Insulating will cost some money up front, but it will pay for itself quickly. If you have drafts around windows and doors, weatherstripping can help maintain the temperature of your home.
Most households waste an unbelievable amount of electricity. This can be prevented in part by using energy efficient appliances and light bulbs. Turn lights, televisions, computers and other devices off when you’re not using them, and open blinds to take advantage of the sun’s light during the day.
Do Yourself a Favor: Do It Yourself
Any time you pay someone else to do something that you could do yourself, you’re spending money unnecessarily. This applies to little things like buying coffee instead of making your own, as well as to larger expenses such as home repairs.
Many of us buy coffee or a soft drink from a convenience store or coffee shop on the way to work in the morning. This can really add up over time. Instead, make your own coffee, or buy soda in 2-liter bottles and pour some into a smaller bottle or cup to take with you. The same applies to lunches. Instead of springing for fast food, take a sandwich or something microwavable to work.
While we’re not all good at all types of repairs and maintenance, most of us can do some things for ourselves. Maybe you could change your own oil instead of paying someone else to do it. If the walls need painting, consider getting friends and family to help you do it instead of hiring a painter. Things like these can save us a noticeable amount of money right away.
When you add up the savings, little things can make a big difference to the budget. So take a close look at your budget and see what small expenses are lurking there. If you can eliminate or reduce them, it could positively impact your bottom line.
Did you know that thyroid health is a concern for nearly 11 million Americans? And, a healthy thyroid supports healthy weight and cholesterol?
The thyroid gland produces an important hormone to regulate the needs of the body. Many of us are unaware of the important role the thyroid has in maintaining our over-all health and well being.
Think back to those years when you felt fabulous! You had energy to burn, passion for living, and a feeling of vitality that carried you through the day and night. You were feelin’ fine!
DID YOUR “GET UP AND GO” JUST GET UP AND LEAVE?
Are you one of those 11 million people thinking, “I guess I’m just getting old,” and wishing it weren’t true? Do you feel blue? Are your skin and hair dry? Are you gaining weight?
According to the famed Mayo Clinic, these are areas that may indicate the health of your thyroid gland.
YOU WANT HELP, AND YOU WANT IT NOW!
And now there is help. Pacific Naturals, a leading herbal supplement company, is excited to introduce you to Thyromine, a natural answer to your thyroid needs.
Thyromine is an all-natural thyroid supplement that works with your body’s own systems to help the thyroid produce the right amount of hormone for your everyday needs.
If you want your thyroid gland functioning in top condition, Thyromine can help. Imagine how good you’ll feel. You’ll be singing “I’m feelin’ fine” Remember back to those years when you felt absolutely great? Get ready to feel that way again!
Kamasutra-The ancient art of love is a subject(or say book, because at that time there were no books , no writings) written far before Chirst, by a saint master Vatsyana (a.k.a Vatasayana). Thus it is also known as Vatsayana Kamasutra. It is a tale of two friends, Maya and Tara, who are bound together in their destiny. Maya is a servant girl while Tara is a princess who has always been jealous of Maya’s beauty. It is an ancient Indian book about human sex behaviors and sex positions. It is much more than that. It is using sexual energy for higher consciousness. This is the one among the many gems of ancient Sanskrit literature.
Kama is the name of the Indian God that represents the sexual nature in man, much like Eros did to the Greeks. Thus the Kamasutra is an ancient manual of love. Kama – the Hindu god of love erotic – will help you to release the body, mind and soul, the discovery of new ways to achieve sexual satisfaction.
Vatsyayana’s purpose is to set kama, or enjoyment of the senses, in context. Thus dharma or virtuous living is the highest aim; artha, the amassing of wealth is next, and kama is the least of three. Vatsyayana believed that sex itself was not wrong, but doing it frivolously was sinful. The Kamasutra has helped people enjoy the art of sex at a deeper level and can be considered a technical guide to sexual enjoyment , as well as providing insight onto the sexual mores and practices of India in those times
Vatsyana’s Kamasutra is one of beginning towards exploration of methods. Many methods and research and developments gave understanding of reasons and remedies. Vatsyayana exhorts: “A female, therefore, should learn the Kamasutra (The Act of Erotics), or at least a part of it, by studying its practice from some (confidential) friend. She should study alone in private the sixty-four accomplishments are known to most students of Indian art and the author lists the various accomplishments which include singing, playing on instruments, dancing, writing, drawing, tattooing, decorating the bed room, and so on.
Vatsyayana, an heir to a rich legacy, scientifically and meticulously incorporated the various schools of thought on the subject in his Kamasutra. The result is a detailed treatise covering the entire spectrum of love-making: the classification of males and females according to their passion and build, the various possibilities in love-play and sexual union for greater joy and satisfaction, the instruments of love-making, the psychology of sex and the role of a wife and courtesan. Vatsyayana states that he only quotes and condenses the previous work and refers to himself in third person (Vatsyayana thinks ) when expressing his opinion. Kamasutra- The ancient art of love is one of the standard books dealing with this topic. Among the four stages of life the married life is the stage where one pursues Kama. It is therefore an art and helps in every way to enhance the sexual pleasure and augment the whole feeling. It is sexuality territory and, therefore, psychoanalytical.
Different masturbatory techniques for men are described in this book. Sexual desires make their presence felt at this stage, and the boy learns to satiate himself by masturbation. Sexual tantra is a part of tantra that is explaining the concepts related with the sexual energy and its spiritual integration. Kamasutra sex positions range from those involving the embrace to the various sex position done while lying down. Some other Kamasutra sex positions also involve role reversals – where the females act the part of the males. Kamasutra for women is mostly about dance, make-up, costumes, and the like. The same book for men is slightly more hardcore. Out of the sixty four Kamasutra positions, some stand out as being able to provide the most pleasure to your partner.
Kamasutra-The ancient art of love is the oldest extant Hindu textbook of erotic love. About the art of living as well as about the positions in sexual intercourse, it is here newly translated into clear, vivid, sexually frank English together with three commentaries: excerpts from the earliest and most famous Sanskrit commentary (13th century), a twentieth-century Hindi commentary, and explanatory notes by the translators. The Kamasutra is not a sex manual, and not just a book of sexual etiquette. It’s an attempt to civilize, to dignify sex – to acknowledge the importance of pleasure while preaching the virtue of restraint. The Kamasutra was written for the wealthy male city-dweller. It is not, and was never intended to be, a lover’s guide for the masses, nor is it a “Tantra love-manual.”
H1N1 Influenza (Swine Flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen. Swine flu viruses have been reported to spread from person-to-person, but in the past, this transmission was limited and not sustained beyond three people.
Are there human infections with swine flu in the U.S.?
In late March and early April 2009, cases of human infection with swine influenza A (H1N1) viruses were first reported in Southern California and near San Antonio, Texas. Other U.S. states have reported cases of swine flu infection in humans and cases have been reported internationally as well. An updated case count of confirmed swine flu infections in the United States is kept at http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/investigation.htm CDC and local and state health agencies are working together to investigate this situation.
Is this swine flu virus contagious?
CDC has determined that this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human. However, at this time, it not known how easily the virus spreads between people.
What are the signs and symptoms of swine flu in people?
The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with swine flu infection in people. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.
How does swine flu spread?
Spread of this swine influenza A (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 of people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
How can someone with the flu infect someone else?
Infected people may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 7 or more days after becoming sick. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.
What should I do to keep from getting the flu?
First and most important: wash your hands. Try to stay in good general health. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food. Try not touch surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Are there medicines to treat swine flu?
Yes. CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with these swine influenza viruses. 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. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within 2 days of symptoms).
How long can an infected person spread swine flu to others?
People with swine influenza virus infection should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are symptomatic and possibly for up to 7 days following illness onset. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods.
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 and then touches their own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands.
How long can viruses live outside the body?
We know that some viruses and bacteria can live 2 hours or longer on surfaces like cafeteria tables, doorknobs, and desks. Frequent hand washing will help you reduce the chance of getting contamination from these common surfaces.
What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?
There is no vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu. 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.
If you get sick with influenza, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
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. Do not go to work or school if ill. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. Put your used tissue in the waste basket. Cover your cough or sneeze if you do not have a tissue. 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. we recommend 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 swine influenza cases have been identified and become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, you may want to contact their health care provider, particularly if you are worried about your symptoms. Your health care provider will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed.
If you are sick, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others.
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 skin color
Not drinking enough fluids
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
Fever with a rash
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
How serious is swine flu infection?
Like seasonal flu, swine flu in humans can vary in severity from mild to severe. Between 2005 until January 2009, 12 human cases of swine flu were detected in the U.S. with no deaths occurring. However, swine flu infection can be serious. In September 1988, a previously healthy 32-year-old pregnant woman in Wisconsin was hospitalized for pneumonia after being infected with swine flu and died 8 days later. A swine flu outbreak in Fort Dix, New Jersey occurred in 1976 that caused more than 200 cases with serious illness in several people and one death.
Can I get swine influenza from eating or preparing pork?
No. Swine influenza viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get swine influenza from eating or preparing pork.
What can I do now to get prepared at home or work for a more serious influenza pandemic?
This is an excellent time to get prepared at home and work for a more serious influenza pandemic.
Store water, food and other essentials. In a pandemic, you should avoid contact with other people as much as possible, including trips to the store. Prepare to get by on for at least two weeks on what you have at home
Store medical and health supplies such as cough syrup, soap, and pain relief medicines.
At work, know employer policies about sick leave, and ask your employer what your business will do if there is a pandemic.
At home, decided who will take care of children if schools are closed.
Should I wear a mask?
In areas with confirmed human cases of H1N1 influenza, the risk for infection can be reduced through a combination of actions. No single action will provide complete protection, but an approach combining the following steps can help decrease the likelihood of transmission. These actions include frequent hand washing, covering coughs, and having ill persons stay home, except to seek medical care, and minimize contact with others in the household. Additional measures that can limit transmission of a new influenza strain include voluntary home quarantine of members of households with confirmed or probable swine influenza cases, reduction of unnecessary social contacts, and avoidance whenever possible of crowded settings.
If ill persons must go into the community (e.g., to seek medical care) they should wear a face mask to reduce the risk of spreading the virus in the community when they cough, sneeze, talk or breathe. If a face mask is unavailable, ill persons needing to go into the community should use a handkerchief or tissues to cover any coughing.
Source: Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention
