H1N1 Influenza (Swine Flu)
The H1N1 flu outbreak, declared a pandemic on June 11, has spread around the world since emerging in April and could eventually affect 2 billion people, according to WHO estimates. Swine Flu is spreading fast in India with more than 1000 positive tests as of wednesday all across India, with number of confirmed cases increasing proportionally everyday. Hence citizens should take all precautions to avoid contracting the Influenza A virus mostly by wearing masks, covering their mouth while coughing, visiting public places like malls , etc.
List of Hospitals in Mumbai
Kasturba Gandhi Hospital (Arthur Road-23083901, 23092458, 23004512)
Sir J J Hospital (Byculla-23735555, 23739031, 23760943, 23768400 / 23731144 / 5555 / 23701393 / 1366)
Haffkine Institute (Parel-24160947, 24160961, 24160962)
Jaslok (Pedder Road)
Bombay (Marine Lines)
Breach Candy (BD Road)
Hinduja (Mahim)
Saifee (Charni Road)
Prince Aly Khan (Mazgaon)
Hurkisondas (Prarthna Samaj)
Lilavati (Bandra)
Nanavati (Vile Parle)
Asian Heart (Bandra-Kurla-Complex)
Holy Family (Bandra)
Holy Spirit (Andheri)
Ambani (Andheri)
Brahmakumari (Andheri)
Sushrusha (Dadar)
Guru Nanak (Bandra)
Hiranandani (Powai)
Wockhardt (Mulund)
Inlaks (Chembur)
Guidelines for Schools/Colleges/Institutions
There have been some cases of Influenza A H1N1 virus among students and staff in certain schools, primarily in Delhi,Mumbai, Pune and other parts of Maharashtra. There has been considerable speculation over the need for closure of schools to control the outbreak. This matter has been considered by the Joint Monitoring Group in the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. All schools and colleges are advised to observe the following guidelines for managing cases of infection of Influenza AH1N1.
(i) Any student or staff member showing flu like symptoms such as fever, cough, running nose and difficulty in breathing should be allowed to stay at home for a period of 7 to 10 days.
(ii) Educational institutions should not insist on production of medical certificate by the student/staff.
(iii) Educational institutions should monitor the health status of such students/staff who might have come in contact with a suspected case of Influenza AH1N1 to see whether they develop flu like symptoms. In case they do so, they should be allowed to stay home, as outlined at (i) above
(iv) In case of students staying in Hostels, the educational institutions would not only monitor the health status of the students, but also that of care providers. It has to be ensured that the care providers wear face mask and wash hands regularly. It might not be advisable to send the boarders back to home, as it would spread infection further.
(v) Educational institutions are further encouraged to report such cases to local health officers for further monitoring.
(vi) Given the current magnitude of the spread of AH1N1 infection and the fact that the current virus is fairly mild, closure of educational institutions on account of any student/staff member falling ill with flu like symptoms is not recommended.
(vii) In the first place, the schools should discourage the excursions of the students to the affected countries.
(viii) In case if the students had proceeded to affected countries on unavoidable tours, then on their return, if some students show flu like symptoms of fever, sore- throat , cough , body ache, running nose, difficulty breathing etc. they should be advised to abstain from attending school and be allowed to stay at home for a period of 7 to 10 days.
(As stated by Government of India, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Directorate General of Health Services - Emergency Medical Relief)
Swine Flu Symptoms
The swine flu symptoms reported when infected with the swine flu are similar to the symptoms of the influenza virus most are familiar with. The good news is that most people who become infected will do fine and will not have any long term complications. Those who are immune compromised, older or pregnant may be at higher risk of complications or serious respiratory illness. The most common swine flu symptoms include:
* Cough
* Congestion
* Nasal Congestion
* Nausea/Vomiting
* Diarrhea
* Body aches
* Joint Pains
* Fevers
* Sore throat
* Headaches
* Fatigue
* Decreased energy
* Rarely death in more severe cases, especially from pneumonia.
Transmission
The viral infection is transmitted to humans who are in contact with swine, although there are several cases of swine flu in people who had no known exposure to either infected people or pigs. Once the species barrier is crossed, human to human transmission can occur with casual contact or airborne transmission, like when one sneezes or coughs. Eating pork products will not cause one to develop the swine flu. Basically, this flu is passed from one person to another like any cold of flu infection.
Prevention of Swine Flu
Washing hands routinely with soap and warm water, and wearing a N99 mask/respirator, such as the Wein ViraMask may also be helpful if you must be in public places. The Wein mask/respirator is strapless and adheres tightly to all faces. When used appropriately, it does not leak. N99 masks provide 100 x more protection than a N95 mask, which are sill a decent option. 3M is also a manufacturer of such masks. If you are planning on traveling by air or train, having a mask available would be a good idea in case it is needed. Also, avoid contact with sick people whenever possible. If you are sick, stay home.
Use alcohol based hand sanitizers to minimize infection risk. Some also use the Wein Air Supply Personal Air Purifier to help reduce exposure to airborne germs. Further, we know that eating healthy food, getting plenty of sleep and keeping your immune system strong can help prevent infections. Vitamin D supplementation may also be of benefit when taken in adequate doses.
Diagnosis of Swine Flu
Remember- most with flu symptoms simply have a viral infection and NOT the swine flu. Maintaining adequate hydration is very important if you contract any viral illness. The swine flu is diagnosed when a physician suspects infection, and sends a nasopharyngeal swab ( a Q-tip of shorts placed about 2 inches in your nose towards your throat) in a special viral collection container to a special lab to be tested.
Source : WHO Official Site