19/02/2015
We care for you.....
What exactly is H1N1 and why
is it called swine flu?
H1N1 is called swine flu because the
virus was similar to influenza viruses
that cause illness in pigs. In 2009,
H1N1, or swine flu was called a
pandemic by World Health Organization
(WHO) because of its massive spread
across the world.
How does it spread?
Swine flu is contagious. Influenza
viruses infect the cells lining your nose,
throat and lungs. It spreads in the
same way as the seasonal flu. The virus
spreads when you touch an infected
surface or breathe cough and sneeze
droplets in the air. People who have
swine flu can be contagious one day
before they have any symptoms, and as
many as 7 days after they get sick.
Kids can be contagious for as long as
10 days. Note: You can’t catch swine flu
from eating pork.
What are the symptoms of swine flu?
Cough, fever, sore throat, stuffy or
runny nose, body aches, headache,
chills, fatigue, vomiting, diarrhea.
How does it affect people?
Young children, pregnant women, and
older adults are more likely to develop
complications. Swine flu can lead to
more serious complications, including
pneumonia and respiratory failure.
And it can make conditions like
diabetes or asthma worse. It can also
lead to neurological conditions ranging
from confusion to seizures.
How do you know it’s swine flu?
It’s hard to tell whether you have swine
flu or seasonal flu, because most
symptoms are the same. People with
swine flu may be more likely to feel
nauseous and throw up than people who
have seasonal flu. But a lab test is the
only way to know for sure. Even a
rapid flu test you can get in your
doctor’s office won’t tell you for sure.
What’s the treatment for swine flu?
The person suffering from swine flu
should take proper rest, keep warm
and drink plenty of water to avoid
dehydration. There are antiviral
medicines and antibiotics you can take
to prevent or treat swine flu.
How can you avoid getting swine flu?
The best protection is to get a flu
vaccine, or flu shot, every year.
Washing hands and in keeping a good
hygiene are the most effective way of
slowing the spread of flu.
Swine flu Do’s
* Wash your hands frequently
* Get enough sleep
* Boost your immune system: Eat fruits,
vegetable and other nutritious food
* Keep your mouth covered while
sneezing and coughing
* Have plenty of water, nutritious food
Swine flu Don’ts
* Avoid travelling to places where
people are affected by swine flu
* Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth
if you are suffering from swine flu to
prevent the spread
* Avoid crowded places, minimize
physical contact with others
* Don’t get too close to the patients
SKIMS issues list of ‘dos and don’ts’
In view of spike in swine flu cases, the
SKIMS Wednesday issued dos and
don’ts for general public awareness.
Here is the unedited list:
‘Every fever with respiratory symptoms
is not H1N1 flu and people should not
panic. Flu usually comes with fever,
cough, nasal discharge, sore throat,
headache and exhaustion. Cover your
mouth and nose with a tissue when
coughing or sneezing. Put your used
tissue in the waste basket. Then, clean
your hands, and do so every time you
cough or sneeze. Wash your hands often
with soap and water. If soap and
water are not available, use an
alcohol-based hand rub. Hands should
be washed with soap and water for a
minimum of 15-20 seconds for
adequate sterilization. Alcohol based
hand rubs should also be used in
accordance with demonstrated
technique. Avoid touching your eyes,
nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
Try to avoid close contact with sick
people. If you are sick with flu-like
illness, CDC recommends that you stay
home for at least 24 hours after your
fever is gone, except for seeking
medical attention or for other
necessities.
Children who get sick with flu like
symptoms should stay home and avoid
interaction with mates till they are
recovered. Parents should voluntarily
take a call on this and assist in social
distancing of children. Be prepared in
case you get sick and ne
