Swine flu situation in Pune

Replies

• 

  itchap

  FAQ on HINI Influenza A (Swine Flu)
  
  How does H1N1 Flu spread?
  
  Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with flu. Sometimes people become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their eyes, nose or mouth. Infected people may be able to infect others beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to seven or more days after becoming sick. You cannot get this flu from eating pork or pork products.
  
  How can I protect myself against H1N1 Flu?
  
  
  The most important precaution that you can take to avoid getting the flu is by following proper hygiene practices:
  
  * Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  * Wash your hands with soap and water frequently and especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
  * Avoid close contact with sick people.
  * Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
  * Regularly disinfect communal areas and any shared equipment.
  * Visit the UCSF Infection Control website for infection control guidance
  
  What are the symptoms of H1N1 Flu?
  
  The symptoms of H1N1 flu are similar to the symptoms of regular human seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting. In rare cases, severe illness and death have been reported. Like seasonal flu, H1N1 flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.
  
  
  What should I do if I feel sick?
  
  * Stay home from work or school. Go home if you become ill at work or school.
  * Limit contact with others in order to keep from infecting them.
  * Follow your customary departmental/programmatic procedures for sick leave notification.
  * Contact your personal healthcare provider for severe symptoms or if your symptoms do not resolve.
  
  Is there a treatment for the H1N1 Flu?
  
  Yes, antiviral drugs are available for the treatment of H1N1 flu. It is important to note that the majority of cases of H1N1 flu have been mild and most infections will resolve without medication. Please contact your physician with questions about antiviral drugs and whether you should take them.
  
  
  Is the flu vaccine effective against the H1N1 Flu?
  
  No. There is currently no vaccine available to protect against the H1N1 flu.
  
  

  #-Link-Snipped-#

• 

  safwan

  Nece info man ! (itchap.)
• 

  Aashish Joshi

  have to go to pune after sometime to get my result!! 😔
• 

  silenthorde

  hey guys.
  
  In case you are visiting PUNE make sure you get yourself a N95 (not the cellphone) mask. It's CDC recommended. The name comes from the fact that it can filter almost 95% of the H1N1 viruses.
  
  The most commonly used surgical masks, that we are so used to seeing is not that effectve for obvious reasons. A word of caution though, if you have respiratory ailments, you might fing it difficult to breathe in the N95 mask.
  
  
  Regarding the cure.
  
  The only known medicine for h1n1 influenza is TAMIFLU. Sale of Tamiflu over retail counter is banned in India and most of the other countries. The reason behind this is, rampant use of this only knwn cure might make the virus resistant to this drug. There have been some cases of Tamiflu resistant H1N1 variants in the US-Mexico border.
  
  Stay well, Take care.
• 

  Mr.Don

  oh my god it had entered in india ...but i think it will not live so long in indian climatic conditions..
• 

  Differential

  dileep k

  oh my god it had entered in india ...but i think it will not live so long in indian climatic conditions..

  This is what it was said when it started in US. But pandemic has not only reached India, but also has taken 10 lives. and till now the virus is very much healthy and taking its toll.
• 

  Radhika Deshpande

  Good info, Please forward it to as many people as possible.
  
  You can find the same in this link #-Link-Snipped-#
  
  Dear All,
  Cipla has launched a new drug against Swine Flu (Virenza), as an
  alternative option to Osetalmavir drug.
• 

  Radhika Deshpande

  Good info, Please forward it to as many people as possible.
  
  You can find the same in this link #-Link-Snipped-#
  
  Dear All,
  Cipla has launched a new drug against Swine Flu (Virenza), as an
  alternative option to Osetalmavir drug.
• 

  m.abiraami

  thanks for your link
• 

  inbapuvi

  Good information.
• 

  Anil Jain

  I received the following information in an e-mail. I hope this will help somebody at sonmetime.
  
  
  What are the symptoms?
  Swine flu symptoms are similar to the symptoms of regular flu and include fever of over 100.4°F, fatigue, lack of appetite, and cold. Some people with swine flu have also reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Nearly everyone with flu has at least two of these symptoms.
  
  So, how do you know if you have flu or just cold?
  There is one clue: when you have the flu, you feel flu symptoms sooner than you would cold symptoms, and they come on with much greater intensity. With the flu, you may feel very weak and fatigued for up to 2 or 3 weeks. You'll have muscle aches and periods of chills and sweats as fever comes and goes. You may also have a stuffy or runny nose, headache, and sore throat.
  
  Can I compare flu symptoms with cold symptoms?
  Yes. The following chart can help you compare flu symptoms with cold symptoms. Use it to lean the differences and similarities between flu and cold symptoms. Then, if you get flu symptoms, call your doctor and ask about an antiviral drug.
  
  You cannot confirm if you have swine flu just based on your symptoms. Like seasonal flu, pandemic swine flu can cause neurologic symptoms in children. These events are rare, but, as cases associated with seasonal flu have shown, they can be very severe and often fatal.
  
  Doctors may offer a rapid flu test, but what you need to understand is a negative result doesn't necessarily mean you don't have the flu. Only lab tests can definitively show whether you've got swine flu. State health departments can do these tests.
  
  What should you do immediately?
  Those of you who have travelled from the affected countries in the past ten days and show symptoms swine flu like fever, cough, sore throat and difficulty in breathing should immediately contact the telephone number given below or visit the nearby Government Hospital.
  
  Important contact numbers:
  Outbreak Monitoring Cell (Control Room, NICD): 011-23921401
  
  Websites: #-Link-Snipped-# and #-Link-Snipped-#
  You can also contact a toll free number 2392 1401 at the National Institute of Communicable Disease
  
  Contact number for each cities:
  Bangalore
  BIAL Swine Flu Center - 91-80-22001490
  
  SDS TUBERCULOSIS & RAJIV GANDHI INSTITUTE OF CHEST DISEASES(Govt. of Karnataka), Hosur Road, Bangalore - 560029
  Helpline No: 91-80-26631923
  
  Chennai
  Communicable Disease Hospital, 87, T.H. Road, Tondiarpet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
  
  Hyderabad
  Govt. General and Chest Diseases Hospital, Erragadda , Hyderabad
  Hospital Helpline Number - 040-23814939
  
  Kolkata
  Beliaghata Infectious Diseases Hospital, 57, Beliaghata Main Road, Kolkata
  
  Mumbai
  Kasturba Hospital, Arthur Road, Sane Guruji Marg, Mumbai 400011
  Ph: 022- 23083901 / 23092458 / 23000889
  
  New Delhi
  Yellow Fever Quarantine Centre, Near AAI Residential Colony, New Delhi
  Ph: 91-11-25652129
  
  Influenza Ward, Ward no 5, Second Floor, New Building, RML Hospital, Delhi-1
  RML- 91-11-24525211,23404328,23365525- Ext 4328
  
  Source: Swine Flu India website
  
  
  Who is at risk?
  
  
  
  Those who are more at risk from becoming seriously ill with swine flu are people with:
  

  • chronic (long-term) lung disease, including people who have had drug treatment for their asthma within the past three years,
  • chronic heart disease,
  • chronic kidney disease,
  • chronic liver disease,
  • chronic neurological disease (neurological disorders include motor neurone disease, Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis),
  • suppressed immune systems (whether caused by disease or treatment),
  • diabetes,
  • pregnant women,
  • people aged 65 or older, and
  • young children under five.

  Source: National Health Service, UK website
  
  How does it spread?
  The new swine flu virus is highly contagious, that is it spreads from person to person. The virus is spread through the droplets that come out of the nose or mouth when someone coughs or sneezes. If someone coughs or sneezes and they do not cover it, those droplets can spread about one metre (3ft). If you are very nearby you might breathe them in.
  
  Or, if someone coughs or sneezes into their hand, those droplets and the virus within them are easily transferred to surfaces that the person touches, such as door handles, hand rails, telephones and keyboards. If you touch these surfaces and touch your face, the virus can enter your system, and you can become infected.
  
  Source: National Health Service, UK website
  
  Can it be prevented?
  Influenza antiviral drugs also can be used to prevent influenza when they are given to a person who is not ill, but who has been or may be near a person with swine influenza. When used to prevent the flu, antiviral drugs are about 70% to 90% effective. When used for prevention, the number of days that they should be used will vary depending on a person’s particular situation.
  
  
  
  
  Follow this general procedure to reduce the risk of catching or spreading the virus, you should:
  

  • Cover your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, using a tissue
  • Throw the tissue away quickly and carefully
  • Wash your hands regularly with soap and water
  • Clean hard surfaces (like door handles and remote controls) frequently with a normal cleaning product
  • Keep away from others as much as possible. This is to keep from making others sick. Do not go to work or school while ill
  • Stay home for at least 24 hours after fever is gone, except to seek medical care or for other necessities. (Fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)
  • Drink clear fluids (such as water, broth, sports drinks, electrolyte beverages for infants) to keep from being dehydrated
  • Wear a facemask – if available and tolerable – when sharing common spaces with other household members to help prevent spreading the virus to others.

  Source: CDC, National Health Service, UK website
  
  
  Will it help to wear a mask?
  Information on the effectiveness of facemasks and respirators for decreasing the risk of influenza infection in community settings is extremely limited. So, it is difficult to assess their potential effectiveness in decreasing the risk of Swine Flu virus transmission in these settings. However, a well-fitted, FDA-approved mask together with other preventive measures MAY reduce the risk of contracting the flu. Those who are sick or caring for someone who is ill should consider using a mask or respirator if leaving the house becomes necessary.
  
  Source: CDC
  What precautions should one take at home?
  Two things - soap and water can reduce the chance of infection by 30 per cent. All you need to do is keep washing your hand with soap and water frequently. Wash hands frequently with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand cleaner when soap and water are not available. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
  
  Eat healthy: Proteins are essential to help your body maintain and build strength. Lean meat, poultry, fish, legumes, dairy, eggs, and nuts and seeds are good sources of protein.
  
  The Food and Drug Administration recommends that adults eat 50 grams of protein per day. Pregnant and nursing women need more. By eating foods high in protein, we also get the benefit of other healing nutrients such as vitamins B6 and B12, both of which contribute to a healthy immune system.
  
  Vitamin B6 is widely available in foods, including protein foods such as turkey and beans as well as potatoes, spinach, and enriched cereal grains. Proteins such as meats, milk, and fish also contain vitamin B12, a powerful immune booster.
  
  Minerals such as selenium and zinc work to keep the immune system strong. These minerals are found in protein rich foods such as beans, nuts, meat, and poultry.
  
  Exercise: Regular exercise may help prevent the flu. According to recent findings, when moderate exercise is repeated on a near daily basis, there is a cumulative immune-enhancing effect. That is, your strong immune system can fight flu better. When you exercise, your white blood cells -- the blood cells that fight infections in the body -- travel through your body more quickly, fighting bacteria and viruses (such as flu) more efficiently. To maintain good health, experts recommend at least 30 minutes of aerobic activity such as walking, swimming, biking, or running each day.
  
  Source: Flu India website, CDC, WebMD
  
  
  
  
  What precautions should one take at schools?
  

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick
  • People who are sick with an influenza-like illness should stay home and keep away from others as much as possible, including avoiding travel, for at least 24 hours after fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Fever should be gone without the use of fever-reducing medicine). Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing
  • Wash your hands often
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth

  Source: CDC
  Is it safe to travel?
  Avoid traveling unnecessarily. However, if you must travel, check how the country you're going to handles swine flu. Although, the WHO doesn't recommend travel restrictions, many countries have set up their own H1N1 policies, and some travelers have been screened or quarantined in other countries because of swine flu concerns.
  
  Source: WebMD.com
• 

  vishnu priya

  Great info CEans,
• 

  gohm

  Yes, true! Remember it is the sick folks that should be diligent about wearing masks, not so much healthy folks.
  
  

  silenthorde

  hey guys.
  
  In case you are visiting PUNE make sure you get yourself a N95 (not the cellphone) mask. It's CDC recommended. The name comes from the fact that it can filter almost 95% of the H1N1 viruses.
  
  The most commonly used surgical masks, that we are so used to seeing is not that effectve for obvious reasons. A word of caution though, if you have respiratory ailments, you might fing it difficult to breathe in the N95 mask.
  
  
  Regarding the cure.
  
  The only known medicine for h1n1 influenza is TAMIFLU. Sale of Tamiflu over retail counter is banned in India and most of the other countries. The reason behind this is, rampant use of this only knwn cure might make the virus resistant to this drug. There have been some cases of Tamiflu resistant H1N1 variants in the US-Mexico border.
  
  Stay well, Take care.