The spread of swine flu is fast emerging health care emergency not just in India but the world over.
Despite the issue being in the media for a long time, there continue to be igno
rance and mis-information about the disease and how to handle it.
NHS, UK has come up with an information dossier on the subject. We are just posting this information here for the benefit of our readers.
Prevention
Good hygiene can prevent the spread of germs in a most effective way to slow the spread of diseases.
- Ensure everyone washes hands regularly with soap and water
- Clean surfaces regularly to get rid of germs
- Use tissues to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
- Place used tissues in a bin as soon as possible
Vulnerable population
Those who are likely to become seriously ill are:
- 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
Common Symptoms
The symptoms of swine flu are expected to be similar to the symptoms of regular human seasonal flu and include fever (a high body temperature of 38°C/100.4°F or over), fatigue, lack of appetite and coughing. Some people may also suffer due to runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.
Duration of Symptoms
As with any other type of flu, how bad the symptoms are and how long they last will vary depending on treatment and individual circumstances. Most of the affected people may start recovery within a week.
Risk Reduction
You can reduce the risk by:
- Always cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing
- Disposal of dirty tissues promptly and carefully
- Maintain good basic hygiene
- Clean hard surfaces, such as door handles, often and thoroughly using a normal cleaning product.
Treatment
As part of preparatory stock, a thermometer and enough cold and cough remedies in your medicine cupboard. On development of systems take paracetamol-based cold remedies to reduce fever and other symptoms, drink plenty of fluids and take lots of rest and above all.
Medicine to Treat H1N1 Swine Flu
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 fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body.
If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within two days of symptoms).
