Schools are getting closed down,
Newspapers are spreading panic.
& thankfully in our house we do not watch much TV !!
We cannot even cough or sneeze in class/school without somebody giving a suspicious look !!
What the hell, when we think that regular flu kills around 5 lakh people around the world each year.
So what is this hysteria about ??
So, here's an updated FAQ on Swine Flu:
1. How do people become infected with influenza A (H1N1) ?
Outbreaks in humans are now occurring from human-to-human transmission. When infected people cough or sneeze, infected droplets get on their hands, drop onto surfaces, or are dispersed into the air. Another person can breathe in contaminated air, or touch infected hands or surfaces, and be exposed.
2. What are the signs and symptoms of infection?
Early signs of influenza A (H1N1) are flu-like, including fever, cough, headache, muscle and joint pain, sore throat and runny nose, and sometimes vomiting or diarrhoea. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying long standing medical conditions.
3. How soon can someone with the flu infect someone else?
Infected people may be able to infect others beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to seven or more days after becoming sick.
4. What surfaces are most likely to be sources of contamination?
Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air.
5. How long can viruses live outside the body?
We know that some viruses and bacteria can live two hours or longer on surfaces like cafeteria tables, doorknobs, and desks. Frequent hand washing will help you reduce the chance of getting contamination from these common surfaces.
6. What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?
Presently there is no vaccine to protect against H1N1 Flu. Currently available seasonal influenza vaccine does not protect against H1N1 flu. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health:
a) Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
b) Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol based hand cleaners are also effective.
c) Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
d) Try to avoid close contact with people having respiratory illness.
e) If one gets sick with influenza, one must stay at home, away from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. However, if one is having any respiratory distress, one should report to a nearby hospital.
7. What should I do to keep from getting the flu?
First and most important:
Wash your hands frequently.
Avoid touching surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus.
Avoid close contact with people having respiratory illness. .
Try to stay in good general health.
Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
8. Are there medicines to treat swine flu?
Yes. Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) is the recommended anti viral drug for the treatment of infection with the influenza A H1N1. 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 2 days of symptoms). This medicine is presently available at designated government hospitals for all those who require it. It is to be administered under medical supervision.
9. 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 may contact local health care provider or designated govt hospital, particularly if you are worried about your symptoms.
Hospital doctors will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed. As per latest govt guidelines, isolation in hospital is going to be needed only for those who have severe disease, others can have home isolation.
If you are sick, 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.
In children emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
Fast breathing or trouble breathing
Bluish skin color
Not drinking enough fluids/eating food
Not waking up or not interacting
Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
Fever with a rash
In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
Sudden dizziness
Confusion
Severe or persistent vomiting
10. Can I get influenza A H1N1 from eating or preparing pork?
No. swine influenza viruses are not spread by food. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe.
DOs:
Wash your hands
Avoid crowded places
Stay more than an arm's length from persons afflicted 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
For people who are sick:
Stay home and limit contacts 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.
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