Swine Flu advisory

                     H1N1 Virus / Swine Flu is spreading across the country at an alarming speed and has started affecting unsuspecting population across cities. This virus is highly contagious and has already proven fatal in a few cases. But if symptoms are identified early and appropriate treatment taken timely, it is totally curable with a few days of medication. However, it is best if we remain alert and take adequate precautions so that we do not catch the infection in the first place.

Know the symptoms

 Headache, Running Nose / Stuffy Nose, Sore Throat, Cough, Fever, Joint Pain, Fatigue, Vomiting & Diarrhea

Some Additional Information

Cases of Swine Flu may also have similar symptoms of seasonal flu:

         1. the worst symptoms usually last for about five days, but coughing can last up to two to three weeks

       2. some very young children, people with some long-term medical conditions, pregnant women, and older people, can get very sick

          3. in rare instances, severe illness may result in death of the patient

Few important things which can reduce Swine flu infection –

Soap and water can reduce the chance of infection by 30%. All you need to do is keep washing your hand with soap and water frequently.

And most importantly, stop touching your face. Make it a conscious effort to observe and stop. Another side effect of not touching your face too often - your skin looks better!

Use a face mask whenever out, avoid gathering in places like theater, prayer halls, use a lot of alcohol sanitizers/dettol, and have boiled water.

Symptoms in children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include: 

 Fast breathing or trouble breathing  

 

 Bluish or gray skin color




 Not drinking enough fluids 

 

 Severe or persistent vomiting




 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

 

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

Severe or persistent vomiting

Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough