French to English: H1N1, Part 3

As we come to this final instalment of H1N1 terms, it looks like a lot of the excitement in the last few weeks has now reached a plateau.  The latest news is that so far 6 million Canadians have been vaccinated, and of that number only 36 have experienced side effects.  Operations are going smoothly.  Response to the vaccine is 96%; that is, the rate at which the H1N1 offers protection to those who get the shot.  An encouraging sign, considering that the response rate to seasonal flu vaccines falls between 60%-80%.

Provincial governments in Canada have their respective web sites on H1N1, and the federal government's web site is www.fightflu.ca.

The federal government classifies adverse reactions into (a) allergies and (b) convulsions.  In my last blog, I wrote that some 60 people have died from the swine flu.  Today, however, that number went up to 198.  What's ironic is that 4,000-8,000 Canadians die from the seasonal flu every year.  Compare that to the 198 who have died from the swine flu - and it raises questions.

But I'm no doctor.  I'm not going to question why our government has launched this massive vaccination campaign.  The young hockey player in Toronto who died from swine flu about three weeks ago probably convinced authorities that we shouldn't take any chances.

Here are some prevention measures you can take (source:  Self-care Guide, Quebec government):

• wash your hands frequently (in the absence of water and soap, use antiseptic paper towels)
• avoid contact with infected people
• get vaccinated
• wear a face mask
• rest (if you're feeling out of sorts)
• drink plenty of fluids
• keep your home clean
• if you have young kids at home, teach them basic hygiene

Just to clarify the Second Wave concept:  the Canadian government reports that this Second Wave arrived in late October this year.  It simply means that there has been an increased rate of H1N1 activity in certain parts of the country.  This was expected.  Although some deaths have resulted from this Second Wave, most of the cases that were or are being treated are mild.  But the public needs to be vigilant.

The term "Second Wave" sends a shudder down my spine.  Should I be watching that 2012 movie?  And for good measure, should I be stocking up on face masks?  Perhaps a fashion designer can come up with masks à la mode?

Here is your final set of French/English terms:

FRENCH	ENGLISH
toux	cough
début soudain	sudden onset
douleurs et courbatures	aches and pains
nausées et vomissements	nausea and vomiting
mal de gorge	sore throat
douleur thoracique	chest pain
pleurs rauques	rasping cries
mal de ventre	abdominal pain
essouflement	shortness of breath
anticorps	antibodies
serviettes alcoolisées	antiseptic towelettes
le vaccin saisonnier	seasonal flu vaccine
vaccin contre les infections à pneumocoque	pneumococcal vaccine