The spread of swine flu is fast emerging as No 1 health care urgency not just in the country but the world over as it slowly turns pandemic. It has also been said these few cases are only tip of iceberg and in coming days India could see rise in flu to 33% of Indians if precautionary measure are not taken and govt. doesn't show more responsibility. Despite the issue being in the media for a long time, there continue to be lack of knowledge and mis-information about the disease and how to handle it. Indian Medical Association, Nagpur Centre, has come up with a selective information on the subject.
What is H1N1 (swine) flu?
The first identification of an influenza virus as a cause of disease in pigs occurred in 1930. H1N1 (referred to as "swine flu" early on) was related to this virus causing sickness in people. This virus was discovered in people in the US in April 2009 (the first ever incident in Humans). Other countries, including Mexico and Canada, have also reported people sick with this new virus. This virus is spreading from person-to-person, likely in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread.
In late March and early April 2009, cases of human infection with swine influenza A (H1N1) viruses were first reported in Southern California and near San Antonio, Texas.
In the first place it was assiduous to predict the outcome of this virus on general public. In seasonal flu, there are certain people who are at higher risk of serious flu-related disease. This includes people with 65 years of more age, children below five years, pregnant women, and people of any age with chronic medical conditions in general people with weak immune system due to some or other reason.
This virus is contagious but, at this time, it not known how easily the virus spreads between people. The symptoms of H1N1 swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhoea and vomiting associated with H1N1 swine flu. Severe sickness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and even deaths have been reported with H1N1 swine flu infection. Like seasonal flu, H1N1 swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic diseases.
In children, concerning signs that need compelling medical attention include:
* Fast breathing or difficulty in breathing
* Bluish or gray skin colour
* Not consuming enough fluids
* Severe or non-ceasing vomiting
* Not waking up or not acting
* Being so annoyed that the child does not want to be held
* Flu-like indications ameliorate but then comeback with fever and worse coughing
In adults, concerning signs that need immediate medical attention include:
* Difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath
* Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
* Sudden dizziness
* Confusion
* Severe or non-ceasing vomiting
* Flu-like indications ameliorate but then comeback with fever and worse coughing
How do you catch H1N1 (swine) flu?
Spread of H1N1 (swine) flu can occur in two ways:
H1N1 virus appears to be transmitted the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
How can someone with the flu infect someone else?
Infected people can infect others right from day one even before they themselves develop any symptoms up to seven or more days after becoming sick. That means that one can pass on the infection to someone else before he/she even knows that he/she is sick, as well as while one is sick.
What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?
There is no vaccine available right now to protect against H1N1 (swine) flu. There are everyday actions that can help forbid the spread of germs that cause respiratory sickness like influenza. Take these daily steps to protect yourself:
* Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Dispose of the tissue in the dustbin after use.
* Clean your hands frequently with cleansing agent ( preferably Dettol) and water, particularly after you cough or sneeze.
* Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread across this way.
* Attempt to avoid close contact with infected people.
* If you get sick with influenza, you should stay at home and not go for work or school and limit contact with others to prevent them from getting infecting by you.
* Reduce the time spent in the crowded settings.
* Improve flow of air in the living rooms by opening the windows for proper airing.
* Practice good health habits including sufficient sleep, having nutritive food, and being physically active.
How long can influenza virus remain viable on objects (such as books and doorknobs)?
Aalyses have demonstrated that influenza virus can support oneself on environmental surfaces and can infect a person for up to 2-8 hours after being banked on the material layer.
Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is fouled with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Drops from a cough or sneeze of an infected person pass through the air.
Are there medicines to treat H1N1 (swine) flu?
Yes, use of oseltamivir (brand name Tamiflu?) or zanamivir (brand name Relenza ?) for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with these H1N1 (swine) influenza viruses. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) that battle against the flu by holding flu viruses from multiplying in your body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can alleviate your condition quiet soon. They may also forbid serious flu complications. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if commenced soon after getting sick (within 2 days of indications).
Follow the advice of your local public health department regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other measures to reduce flu transmission. These measures will continue to be important after a novel H1N1 vaccine is available because they can prevent the spread of other viruses that cause respiratory infections.
What should I do if I get sick?
If you live in areas where people have been discovered with new H1N1 flu and become ill with influenza-like evidences, including fever, body aches, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhoea, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people, omitting to seek medical care from a recognized and reputed hospital
Antiviral drugs may reduce the symptoms and duration of sickness, just as they do for seasonal influenza. They also may contribute to preventing severe disease and death. WHO is in touch with public health authorities and clinicians in affected countries and is gathering information about how effective the drugs are.
How do I know if I have influenza A (H1N1)?
You will not be able to differentiate among seasonal flu and influenza A (H1N1) in absence of medical help. Typical symptoms to watch for are similar to seasonal viruses and include fever, cough, headache, body aches, sore throat and runny nose. Only your medical practitioner and local health agency canaffirm a case of influenza A (H1N1). They will check blood sample, throat swab and nasopharyngeal (nose to mouth) for testing to laboratories Currently this service is available only at certain assigned government research laboratory.
Source: https://www.dreamydonkey.com/2009/08/swine-flu-swine-flu-swine-flu-h1n1.html
