T

em>The Indonesian authorities are taking steps to cushion the spread of swine flu, a new strain of influenza that has caused havoc in Mexico and the United States and ignited fear around the world. Tjandra Yoga Aditama, the Health Ministry's director general for disease control and environmental health has urged people to take extra precautionary measures because of the disease. Here are some of his answers to questions frequently asked by the public:

What is swine flu?

It is a kind of influenza caused by the H1N1 virus strain, which is a mix of pig viruses with some human and bird viruses. Unlike more typical swine flu, it is spreading from person to person.

How does the virus infects people?

By air or by direct contact with people who suffer from this flu.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms are similar to those of regular flu. This includes fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue, body aches, respiratory problems and headaches. But some people will also have diarrhea and vomiting.

Should I be concerned about the disease?

There is no swine flu yet in Asia, including Indonesia. So you don't need to worry. The bird flu caused by the H5NI virus is actually more dangerous than the swine flu in terms of mortality rates. But we remain cautious and are doing everything we can to keep it our from entering the country.

What percent chance is there of recovering from the flu?

I think the survival chance is higher than avian flu. In Mexico, about 6 percent of those suffering from the virus died, I must admit that swine flu is more dangerous than avian flu because it spreads from human to human.

The disease is treatable with Tamiflu *Indonesia has 12 million doses of the antiviral procured in 2006*.

How long is swine flu's incubation period?

Between three and five days.

How do we protect ourselves from this flu?

Frequently wash your hands with soap or with disinfectant gel, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue while sneezing and promptly visit a doctor if you have irregular influenza symptoms. The most important thing to do is to keep your health in check.

The public should also keep their environment clean. Those who have visited the infected countries should immediately and sincerely have a check up at the nearest medical center.

Do I need to wear mask?

Not necessarily. It is more important to avoid close contact with sick people and stay away from crowds.

Is it safe to be near live pigs?

I would not recommend that for sure, especially if you are not in good shape.

Is there a vaccine for this flu?

A swine flu vaccine has not yet been discovered.

The previous avian flu killed many Indonesian. How are you going to handle this one?

We are hoping this virus will not enter Indonesia, and we also have been preparing ourselves for the many possibilities.

Such as?

We have installed 10 thermal scanners at the arrival gates of all international airports to detect infected passengers by measuring their body temperature *a high temperature will raise the alarm for a passengers to be examined*.

We have also activated 80 sentinels to be on the look out for influenza-like illnesses and pneumonia.

We are also preparing 100 hospitals to specifically deal with the disease.

Several laboratories, which previously used to inspect and study the avian flu virus will be upgraded to enable them handle the swine flu.

The recent simulation of disease outbreak in Makassar will also strengthen our awareness to swiftly deal with the flu.

Can we still eat pork?