Mumbai, August 12: Swine Flu is an illness that generally infects pigs (swine). It results in respiratory illness and is very contagious but is rarely disastrous. Typically, humans do not get swine flu. But, in 2009, the virus (H1N1) affecting humans seems to have mutated into a combination of swine, avian (bird) and human influenza. It has developed the ability to transfer from human to human.
How did it start, where did it come from?
In late April, the World Health Organization’s declared a “public health emergency of international concern” when the first cases of the H1N1 virus were reported in the United States. Following the outbreak, on May 2, 2009, it was reported in pigs at a farm in Alberta, Canada, with a link to the outbreak in Mexico.
Do’s and Don’ts
WHO appealed to the people across the world to follow a few precautions?
DOs
Wash your hands
Avoid crowded places
Stay more than one arm’s length distance from persons sick with flu
Get plenty of sleep
Drink plenty of water and eat nutritious food
DO NOTs
Shake hands or hug in greeting
Spit in public
Take medicines without consulting a physician
If you are sick, PLEASE
Stay home and limit contact with others as much as possible
Rest and take plenty of liquids
Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
Seek medical advice if needed
WHO said it is safe to eat well-cooked pork.
Swine Flu Myth:
Swine is pork, so eating pork will result in swine flu
Swine flu comes by touching a pig.
Wearing a facemask or your handkerchief will completely protect humans from swine flu.
Swine flu vaccine can be purchased on the Internet or from a chemist.
Swine flu in India:
Death toll: 6 death cases have been reported in India as of now.
No of infected: 864 cases have been reported.
Are there medicines to treat swine flu?
Yes. Oseltamivir is the recommended anti viral drug for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with the influenza A
H1N1. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster.
What should I do if I get sick?
If you live in areas where influenza A H1N1 cases have been identified and become ill with influenza like symptoms e.g. fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others. If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care.
