Swine Flu?

What are the symptoms of swine flu?
Their symptoms are somewhat similar to seasonal flu- Fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue, body aches and chills.

How is it spread? Through food? Is it airborne?
They can be transmitted from human to human. Yes, it is airborne and can be spread through food for example, through saliva.

What is the current pandemic alert level as indicated by the WHO? Do you think Singapore is at risk?
The current pandemic alert level is phase 5. This phase indicates that it can be transmitted from human-to-human interaction in at least two countries. A strong signal of pandemic imminent.

I do not think Singapore is at risk YET. I think the customs should prevent people from the infected areas to come into our country. This flu will pose a threat to us gradually.

What are your thoughts and feelings towards this event? Are you afraid? Confident in the government? Worried about your relatives? Ambivalent? Happy that schools may be closed?
I feel threatened mentally. I didn't expect another virus to outbreak so suddenly! I thought the world's safety measures would always be there.. But this sudden flu proved my thinking to be wrong. I trust Singapore's government to let us prevent the flu from infecting us. I believe measures are already taken for our safety. But we must not depend on our government only, we have to do our part for others and ourselves. We must also be considerate to our family and friends so we maintain and keep a healthy and hygenic lifestyle. It may be a good thing that schools can be closed for others, but I think otherwise. I do not want to let this virus to deprive me of studying and live in fear. Yes, indeed it would be a good break for us to rest, but I would rather cope with the stress I have now. Hopefully it would not be able to spread into oher regions of the world.