Food safety on the road
April 10, 2007 | 12:00am
So, we’re all going on a summer holiday (no more working for a week or two/Fun and laughter on our summer holiday/No more worries for me or you, to borrow some lines from a Cliff Richard song  Cliff who? you ask. Never mind. Forget it).
But forget summer? No way! It’s that time of the year when you finally find the time to do all the things you’ve always wanted to do. Or simply do all the nothing you want, according to one drifter. Somebody said that some parents even pack up their troubles  and send them off to summer camp. According to Erma Bombeck, summertime is when "we hit the sunny beaches where we occupy ourselves keeping the sun off our skin, the saltwater off our bodies, and the sand out of our belongings."
So, it’s time to hit the road, all ye city slickers. But before you do, take a few (food) safety reminders from Carol Turkington, author of Protect Yourself from Contaminated Food & Drink.
• Pack smart. If you’re packing up the whole family for a picnic or camp-out somewhere, it’ll certainly save you a lot of time/money and tears if you bring your own food. A must for long trips ("Are we there yet?" is the question on everyone’s lips) is a well-stocked cooler. But be sure that the food you bring is safe to eat.
Pack food right from the refrigerator, putting food that needs to be kept coldest on the bottom and ice or frozen gel-packs on top. Pack meat and poultry while they’re still frozen; they will gradually thaw during the trip. Be sure to separate fish, meat or poultry so their drippings don’t contaminate other food items. Better yet, wrap these potential drippers and put them in ziplock plastic bags.
Keep in mind what foods you’ll be needing first, and pack in reverse order of use: pack the foods first that you think you’ll use last. Wrap everything separately, and don’t place packages directly on ice that’s not drinking-water safe. Pack food in the smallest quantity you think you’ll need.
• Take a few cooler tips: While there are foods that don’t require refrigeration (like peanut butter, bread, some types of cheese), be sure to keep perishable food cold enough. If you’re going on a long trip (out in the country, where the sun shines brightly), pack two coolers: one with food for the day’s lunch and snacks, and the other with perishables you will use later or upon arrival. Don’t let anyone open the second cooler so the temperature is kept cold longer.
• Ice, ice, baby. If you’re going to use ice in your cooler, (but of course!), remember that a block of ice keeps longer than individual ice cubes (even if they probably look cuter and more user-friendly). To keep the food cold, add frozen juice boxes.
Also, remember that a filled cooler will maintain its cold temperature longer than one that is only half full. So if there’s space left after you’ve packed everything, fill it up with more ice, fruit or an extra bag of pretzels.
When you’re done, put the coolers in the passenger section of the car, not in the hot trunk. If the ice starts to melt, add more ice  remember that bacteria grow very quickly at room temperature; throw out any food that warms above refrigerator temperature (40°F).
• Beware of the water. Bring along bottled water for drinking or mixing with food. Always assume that where you’re going, the water is not safe to drink.
• Keep clean. No soap and water? No problem! Pack lots of moist towelettes or hand sanitizers to clean dirty and sticky hands. Remember that one of the best ways to stop food-borne infections in their tracks is to keep your hands clean.
• Unpack right. When you unpack the cooler, put it in the shade and keep the lid on. Insulate it with a blanket or poncho. Keep utensils and food covered when not in use.
Last but not the least, enjoy!
Here’s everything you’ve always wanted to know about the flu but were probably too sick to ask. It’s actually a compilation of frequently asked questions received by Immunizers, Inc., an advocate of preventive medicine through vaccination (which could save lives, especially in view of the meningococcal outbreak in Baguio and bird flu in Southern Asia).
For more details, call Dr. Anne Marie Lagman, chief operations manager, Immunizers, Inc., at 744-5552/53 or 727-2865; visit www.immunizers.com.ph.
What is the flu?
The flu, or influenza, is a very contagious disease of the lungs caused by the influenza virus.
Influenza-like illness is ranked as the fourth leading cause of morbidity among Filipinos. One out of 100 Filipinos is reported to contract influenza-like illness every year.
What is the difference between the flu and a common cold?
If you have an abrupt high fever (39-40°C), headache, severe cough, extreme fatigue, aches and pains, you may have the flu. Flu and colds can have similar symptoms, but flu is far more dangerous than a common cold. Unlike a common cold, flu causes severe illness and life-threatening complications such as pneumonia (infection of the lungs), myocarditis (inflammation of the heart), and worsening of chronic bronchitis (inflammation of the lungs) in many people.
How can I catch the flu?
The flu is very contagious. You can catch it from the air; from someone who is sneezing or coughing; from close contact with someone who has the flu or from touching contaminated objects and transferring germs to the respiratory system.
Who is at risk?
Anyone can catch the flu. Some people are at an increased risk of developing life-threatening complications if they contract the flu. These are :
• People of any age with chronic medical conditions (such as hypertension, diabetes, asthma, kidney disease, etc.).
• People 50 years of age and older.
• Pregnant women in the second or third trimester of pregnancy during the flu season.
• Children aged six months until their fifth birthday.
Is it possible to prevent the flu?
Yes, it is possible to prevent the flu through vaccination.
How do flu vaccines work?
The vaccine causes antibodies to develop in the body, and the antibodies provide protection against infection from the influenza virus. It takes about two weeks for the body to make protective antibodies.
Is the flu vaccine safe?
The viruses in the flu shot are killed so you cannot get the flu from a flu shot. The worst side effect you’re likely to get with the vaccine is a sore arm. A vaccine, like any medicine, may rarely cause serious problems, such as severe allergic reactions. The risk of a rare allergic reaction is far less than the risk of severe complications from influenza.
Who should get a flu shot?
• People with increased risk of developing life-threatening complications if they contract the flu as stated previously.
• People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from the flu, especially healthcare workers (doctors, nurses, midwives, caregivers, etc.).
Healthy individuals are also encouraged to get the vaccine because it has been shown to reduce both direct medical costs and indirect costs from absenteeism at work and in school. Vaccination is associated with fewer days of illness, fewer work or school days lost, fewer days with doctor’s office visits, and reduced use of prescription antibiotics and over-the counter medications.
Who should not get a flu shot?
Those who have a severe allergy to eggs or to a previous flu shot should not receive the flu vaccine.
How effective is the flu shot?
The vaccine has 70-90 percent efficacy and usually protects most people from the flu. Sometimes, a person who receives the flu vaccine can get the flu but will be far less sick than those without the vaccine. The flu vaccine will not protect you from other viruses that sometimes feel like the flu.
Why should I get a flu shot every year?
The flu viruses are constantly changing. Generally, new influenza virus strains circulate every flu season, so each year, before the flu season, the most active viruses are identified by the World Health Organization (WHO) and included in a new vaccine formula in order to offer the best protection.
When is the best time to get a flu vaccination?
The flu season generally occurs annually all over the world during the cold season.
In the Philippines, the peak of the flu season is during the rainy months of June to September. Vaccination should happen before the flu season every year when the new Southern Hemisphere vaccine becomes available around March. While the best time to get the flu vaccine is March to June, getting immunized in the months later can still protect you against the flu.
Is the flu vaccine in all parts of the world the same?
No. In the US, Canada, and Europe, the Northern Hemisphere vaccine is given during September-November before the peak of flu activity in the winter months of November to April. The vaccine is available in the Philippines although stocks are very limited. It is best to get your shot at least two weeks before leaving for a trip.
Will the flu shot protect me from the bird (avian) flu?
No. The human flu vaccine does not offer protection against the bird flu because they are two different viruses. But a bird flu vaccine is currently undergoing clinical trials.
We’d love to hear from you. E-mail us at ching_alano@yahoo.com
But forget summer? No way! It’s that time of the year when you finally find the time to do all the things you’ve always wanted to do. Or simply do all the nothing you want, according to one drifter. Somebody said that some parents even pack up their troubles  and send them off to summer camp. According to Erma Bombeck, summertime is when "we hit the sunny beaches where we occupy ourselves keeping the sun off our skin, the saltwater off our bodies, and the sand out of our belongings."
So, it’s time to hit the road, all ye city slickers. But before you do, take a few (food) safety reminders from Carol Turkington, author of Protect Yourself from Contaminated Food & Drink.
• Pack smart. If you’re packing up the whole family for a picnic or camp-out somewhere, it’ll certainly save you a lot of time/money and tears if you bring your own food. A must for long trips ("Are we there yet?" is the question on everyone’s lips) is a well-stocked cooler. But be sure that the food you bring is safe to eat.
Pack food right from the refrigerator, putting food that needs to be kept coldest on the bottom and ice or frozen gel-packs on top. Pack meat and poultry while they’re still frozen; they will gradually thaw during the trip. Be sure to separate fish, meat or poultry so their drippings don’t contaminate other food items. Better yet, wrap these potential drippers and put them in ziplock plastic bags.
Keep in mind what foods you’ll be needing first, and pack in reverse order of use: pack the foods first that you think you’ll use last. Wrap everything separately, and don’t place packages directly on ice that’s not drinking-water safe. Pack food in the smallest quantity you think you’ll need.
• Take a few cooler tips: While there are foods that don’t require refrigeration (like peanut butter, bread, some types of cheese), be sure to keep perishable food cold enough. If you’re going on a long trip (out in the country, where the sun shines brightly), pack two coolers: one with food for the day’s lunch and snacks, and the other with perishables you will use later or upon arrival. Don’t let anyone open the second cooler so the temperature is kept cold longer.
• Ice, ice, baby. If you’re going to use ice in your cooler, (but of course!), remember that a block of ice keeps longer than individual ice cubes (even if they probably look cuter and more user-friendly). To keep the food cold, add frozen juice boxes.
Also, remember that a filled cooler will maintain its cold temperature longer than one that is only half full. So if there’s space left after you’ve packed everything, fill it up with more ice, fruit or an extra bag of pretzels.
When you’re done, put the coolers in the passenger section of the car, not in the hot trunk. If the ice starts to melt, add more ice  remember that bacteria grow very quickly at room temperature; throw out any food that warms above refrigerator temperature (40°F).
• Beware of the water. Bring along bottled water for drinking or mixing with food. Always assume that where you’re going, the water is not safe to drink.
• Keep clean. No soap and water? No problem! Pack lots of moist towelettes or hand sanitizers to clean dirty and sticky hands. Remember that one of the best ways to stop food-borne infections in their tracks is to keep your hands clean.
• Unpack right. When you unpack the cooler, put it in the shade and keep the lid on. Insulate it with a blanket or poncho. Keep utensils and food covered when not in use.
Last but not the least, enjoy!
For more details, call Dr. Anne Marie Lagman, chief operations manager, Immunizers, Inc., at 744-5552/53 or 727-2865; visit www.immunizers.com.ph.
What is the flu?
The flu, or influenza, is a very contagious disease of the lungs caused by the influenza virus.
Influenza-like illness is ranked as the fourth leading cause of morbidity among Filipinos. One out of 100 Filipinos is reported to contract influenza-like illness every year.
What is the difference between the flu and a common cold?
If you have an abrupt high fever (39-40°C), headache, severe cough, extreme fatigue, aches and pains, you may have the flu. Flu and colds can have similar symptoms, but flu is far more dangerous than a common cold. Unlike a common cold, flu causes severe illness and life-threatening complications such as pneumonia (infection of the lungs), myocarditis (inflammation of the heart), and worsening of chronic bronchitis (inflammation of the lungs) in many people.
How can I catch the flu?
The flu is very contagious. You can catch it from the air; from someone who is sneezing or coughing; from close contact with someone who has the flu or from touching contaminated objects and transferring germs to the respiratory system.
Who is at risk?
Anyone can catch the flu. Some people are at an increased risk of developing life-threatening complications if they contract the flu. These are :
• People of any age with chronic medical conditions (such as hypertension, diabetes, asthma, kidney disease, etc.).
• People 50 years of age and older.
• Pregnant women in the second or third trimester of pregnancy during the flu season.
• Children aged six months until their fifth birthday.
Is it possible to prevent the flu?
Yes, it is possible to prevent the flu through vaccination.
How do flu vaccines work?
The vaccine causes antibodies to develop in the body, and the antibodies provide protection against infection from the influenza virus. It takes about two weeks for the body to make protective antibodies.
Is the flu vaccine safe?
The viruses in the flu shot are killed so you cannot get the flu from a flu shot. The worst side effect you’re likely to get with the vaccine is a sore arm. A vaccine, like any medicine, may rarely cause serious problems, such as severe allergic reactions. The risk of a rare allergic reaction is far less than the risk of severe complications from influenza.
Who should get a flu shot?
• People with increased risk of developing life-threatening complications if they contract the flu as stated previously.
• People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from the flu, especially healthcare workers (doctors, nurses, midwives, caregivers, etc.).
Healthy individuals are also encouraged to get the vaccine because it has been shown to reduce both direct medical costs and indirect costs from absenteeism at work and in school. Vaccination is associated with fewer days of illness, fewer work or school days lost, fewer days with doctor’s office visits, and reduced use of prescription antibiotics and over-the counter medications.
Who should not get a flu shot?
Those who have a severe allergy to eggs or to a previous flu shot should not receive the flu vaccine.
How effective is the flu shot?
The vaccine has 70-90 percent efficacy and usually protects most people from the flu. Sometimes, a person who receives the flu vaccine can get the flu but will be far less sick than those without the vaccine. The flu vaccine will not protect you from other viruses that sometimes feel like the flu.
Why should I get a flu shot every year?
The flu viruses are constantly changing. Generally, new influenza virus strains circulate every flu season, so each year, before the flu season, the most active viruses are identified by the World Health Organization (WHO) and included in a new vaccine formula in order to offer the best protection.
When is the best time to get a flu vaccination?
The flu season generally occurs annually all over the world during the cold season.
In the Philippines, the peak of the flu season is during the rainy months of June to September. Vaccination should happen before the flu season every year when the new Southern Hemisphere vaccine becomes available around March. While the best time to get the flu vaccine is March to June, getting immunized in the months later can still protect you against the flu.
Is the flu vaccine in all parts of the world the same?
No. In the US, Canada, and Europe, the Northern Hemisphere vaccine is given during September-November before the peak of flu activity in the winter months of November to April. The vaccine is available in the Philippines although stocks are very limited. It is best to get your shot at least two weeks before leaving for a trip.
Will the flu shot protect me from the bird (avian) flu?
No. The human flu vaccine does not offer protection against the bird flu because they are two different viruses. But a bird flu vaccine is currently undergoing clinical trials.
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