Update on Swine Flu

Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza that regularly cause outbreaks of influenza among pigs. Swine flu viruses do not normally infect humans, however, human infections with swine flu do occur, and cases of human-to-human spread of swine flu viruses has been documented. In late March and early April 2009, cases of human infection with swine influenza A (H1N1) viruses were first reported in Southern California and near San Antonio, Texas. Most outbreaks occur during the late fall and winter months These cases occur in persons with direct exposure to pigs or workers in the swine industry. In addition, there have been documented cases of one person spreading swine flu to others. What is Swine Flu? Source – WHO & Ministry of Health, Government of India.

Fever, headache, upper respiratory tract symptoms (cough, sore throat, rhinorrhea), myalgia, fatigue, vomiting, or diarrhea. Clinical syndromes have ranged from mild respiratory illness, to lower respiratory tract illness, dehydration, or pneumonia. Insufficient information to date about clinical complications of influenza A (H1N1) virus infection. Clinical Complications similar to the seasonal flu. Symptoms of Swine Flu? Source – WHO & Ministry of Health, Government of India.

Cases across World

251 positive cases of Virus in India Major cities like Mumbai Pune Hyderabad Bangalore Delhi Chennai Have reported cases Majority of cases from persons who traveled in the countries affected or came in contact with person from affected countries Around 135 countries have confirmed cases of virus Total death toll resulting from virus worldwide has been 429 Cases of Swine Flu in India Source – WHO & Ministry of Health, Government of India.

Influenza A (H1N1) virus is contagious and spreads from human to human The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular seasonal flu Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through droplets created while coughing or sneezing by a person infected with the influenza-A (H1N1). Infected person may be able to infect others beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to seven or more days after becoming sick. Pork products are absolutely safe if properly cooked, but it does spreads from Pigs to Human. There are medicines available for treating this virus The Government has in the designated hospitals stored medicines. It is strongly advisable not to take medicines of your own, as it will lower your immunity Certain Facts about Swine Flu Source – WHO & Ministry of Health, Government of India.

Prevention is better, hence follow certain basic health hygienic etiquettes. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are very effective. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way. Try to avoid close contact with people having respiratory illness. 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. People who have traveled from the affected countries and show symptoms of influenza A (H1N1) like fever, cough, sore throat and difficulty in breathing should immediately contact nearby Government Hospital. Prevention to be taken Source – WHO & Ministry of Health, Government of India.

Important contact Points for Swine Flu Sr noNameDocument 1Clinical Management-Swine Flu 2Isolation and Critical Care facilities 3List of Nodal officer_contact points Source – Ministry of Health, Government of India.