This is what a doctor wants you to know about swine flu

One of the most badly affected states, Rajasthan, saw a death toll of 48 in just the first 19 days of 2019.

Seasonal influenza (H1N1) virus, commonly known as Swine Flu, has affected a number of people in the country, including, most recently, BJP president Amit Shah. One of the most badly affected states, Rajasthan, saw a death toll of 48 in just the first 19 days of 2019. One of the most prevalent and contagious viruses, H1N1 has three categories A, B and C. While A and B categories need home care, category C requires immediate hospitalization and medical intervention as its symptoms and outcomes are extremely severe and could result in death. Dr D S Chaddha, Director, Internal Medicine, Fortis Flt. Lt. Rajan Dhall Hospital, gives us an insight into protection and prevention against the H1N1 virus

Symptoms of Swine Flu (H1N1)

The Clinical Manifestations: fever, cough, sore throat, malaise and headache, vomiting and diarrhea.

In Children: young children are less likely to have the usual influenza signs and symptoms such as fever and cough.

In Infants: may present with fever and lethargy, and may not have cough or other respiratory symptoms.

Symptoms of severe disease in infants and young children may include apnea, tachypnea, dyspnea, cyanosis, dehydration, altered mental status and extreme irritability.

High-risk groups:

Children younger than five years old

Adults who are 65 years and above

Patients who have a chronic pulmonary condition (including asthma)

Patients who have a cardiovascular (except hypertension), renal, hepatic, hematological (including sickle cell disease), neurologic, neuromuscular or metabolic disorder (including diabetes mellitus)

Patients who are on immune suppressants

Patients of HIV

Pregnant women

Obese Adults

Residents of nursing homes and other chronic - care facilities

Home care treatment for Influenza A and B (H1N1)

Check with the healthcare provider about any special care that might be needed if the patient is pregnant or has a health condition such as diabetes, heart disease, asthma or emphysema.

Check with the health care provider about whether the patient should take antiviral medications.

Keep the patient away from other people as much as possible. They should not be going to school or work.

One should watch out for the primary influenza symptoms: high temperature, runny nose, cough, headache, muscle and joint pain.

The patient should stay at home for at least 24 hours after the fever subsides.

To prevent dehydration the patient should rest and drink plenty of fluids such as water, broth, sports drinks, electrolyte beverages.

Coughs and sneezes should be covered. Hands should be cleaned using soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub.

A face mask should be worn at all times to prevent the virus from spreading to near and dear ones.