In the wake of recent spread of H1N1 flu also known as Swine flu in the country , we ( the admin. team ) would like to share some useful information , precautionary measures and preparedness level at FIS India locations .
Here are some important facts on H1 N1 flu :
· Do Not Panic.
· It is 100% curable if treated in time.
· No emergency situation in the state / country - The Govt has not yet declared the situation out of control anywhere in the country.
· By taking some basic preventive measures you can avoid getting infected.
Some FAQs on swine flu :
What is swine flu?
Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen. Swine flu viruses have been reported to spread from person-to-person, but in the past, this transmission was limited and not sustained beyond three people.
Is this swine flu virus contagious?
CDC has determined that this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human. However, at this time, it not known how easily the virus spreads between people.
Symptoms of swine flu
Symptoms of swine flu are like any other flu
· Fever
· Cough
· Sore throat
· Aches and pains
· Headaches
· Tiredness
· Loss of appetite
· Sometimes diarrhea and vomiting
What should I do if I see these symptoms?
if you have any of the above listed symptoms or combination there of , then pls. do not ignore and visit the nearest designated hospital (listed here or find out the name of the hospital from the local help line or the national toll free help line - 1800-11-4377 ) . Do not try to avoid going to the doctor because people scare you about quarantine etc., It is better to have a professional treat you than stay at home and hope for the best. The doctor's treatment will involve medicines.
The govt of India notification on H1 N1 :
"Any person with flu like symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, cold, running nose etc. should go to a designated Government facility for giving his/her sample for testing for the H1N1 virus. After clinical assessment, the designated medical officer would decide on the need for testing. Except for cases that are severe, the patient would be allowed to go home (This was not allowed under the existing guidelines).
The sample of the suspect case would be collected and sent to the notified laboratory for testing. If tested as positive for H1N1 and in case the symptoms are mild, the patient would be informed and given the option of admission into the hospital or isolation and treatment at his own home.
In case the patient opts for home isolation and treatment, he/she would be provided with detailed guidelines / safety measures to be strictly adhered to by the entire household of the patient. He/ she would have to provide full contact details of his entire household. The house hold and social contacts would be provided with the preventive treatment.
Notwithstanding the above guidelines, the decision of the doctor of the notified hospital about admitting the patient would be final."
Even if swine flu is suspected based on symptoms, unless a test is done at a lab, it cannot be confirmed. Since the identification of this virus is done by government labs like the NICD etc., the government hospitals can confirm faster if you have the H1N1 virus or not.
The Government of India is also assuring everyone that they have well trained doctors at their facilities and adequate stocks of the right medicines. The government has also passed strictures forbidding the sales of medicines used in swine flu in the open market and have taken control of stock. They have also gotten ready the mechanisms to test to check if the virus causing flu like symptoms is swine flu (H1N1) or not.
How will it be treated?
The doctor will decide your course of treatment. Oseltamvir and Tamiflu seem to be the popularly used medicines for this. The doctor will prescribe rest and also ask you to ensure that you are getting enough liquids especially if you have diarrhea or vomiting. Doctors may also prescribe other medicines like painkillers, antibiotics for protection against other infections etc.
Help line numbers:
National : 1075 / 1800-11-4377
Mumbai : 022- 2392 1401 / 2265 3460 / 2308 3901
Delhi : 011- 2452 5211 / 2340 4328 / 2336 5525
Chennai : 044- 2532 1569
Banglore : 080- 26631923
Chandigarh : 102 2782457
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