How is an individual responsible for his own healthcare?

An example would be the H5N1 flu which hit Singapore on October 17 2005.

On October 24, 2005, the Ministry of Health issued a public advisory calling for several groups of people to get themselves vaccinated against flu.[1] They include

* elderly aged 65 years and above,
* those with chronic heart and lung diseases, and diabetes or renal diseases,
* children and teenagers aged six months to 18 years, who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy, and
* women in the second or third trimester of pregnancy.

Those planning to travel to the Northern Hemisphere over the next few months are also encouraged to get a flu vaccine at least a week or two before departure.

The Ministry also advised extra precaution for travellers to areas affected by the avian influenza outbreak including countries in Asia (Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam and China) and Europe (Turkey, Romania, Greece, Russia). Travellers are advised avoid contact with poultry such as chickens, geese, ducks, pigeons and wild birds and not go to places such as commercial or backyard poultry farms and markets selling live birds. They are advised not to handle or eat raw or undercooked poultry or foods containing uncooked poultry, including eggs.

Those who develop flu-like symptoms should seek medical help promptly, and inform the doctors of their travel history.Masks were also given for the covering of the mouths(If Infected)

Advises and talks were also given to Singaporeans on how they could prevent themselves from getting the virus.