Coimbatore, Jan 31: A person from Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu has tested positive for H1N1 influenza. The man named Govindaraj was admitted to the Government Hospital in the city, which has taken the total number of persons undergoing swine flu treatment to four. (Read: Swine flu — causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and prevention)
The person reported with fever and throat pain and had been treated in a private hospital for the symptoms before his admission to this hospital. However, due to the rising concerns about swine flu, he was admitted to the isolation ward of the Government hospital. According to the hospital authorities, the swab results tested positive thereby confirming that the person is suffering from the disease. Three people have been admitted to the hospital since the last two day and are currently undergoing treatment for swine flu. (Read: Swine flu in India: 47 cases confirmed, eight deaths in Chandigarh)
Why India is more vulnerable to swine flu?
India is even more vulnerable because of its climate. While in most countries the swine flu virus makes an appearance during the winter season, in India it surfaces twice a year – during the monsoon and winter seasons. Add to that the fact, that our population density is very high, public places and transport is overcrowded and there’s utter disregard for sanitation and hygiene. There’s also a lack of awareness about the disease and many people still believe that virus spreads from pigs. The swine flu situation actually points out the deficiencies of India’s public health system. Here’s why the swine flu situation in India is bad.
Here are some key facts about the disease you need to know.
Check your symptoms: One cannot exactly know that he/she is suffering from swine flu because the symptoms are very similar to regular flu. If you have very high fever for more than a day or two, sudden breathlessness, you should contact your doctor immediately.
Hygiene and sanitation: If you already have fever, it’s better to stay at home in order to prevent the disease from spreading. Always cover your face while coughing and sneezing. Avoid touching your face, nose and eyes often. It can also spread through inanimate objects like the mobile phone, laptop etc. which we end up frequently using. So, it’s better to avoid using others’ belongings. In case of sore throat, gargle with warm salt water.
Prevention: It is possible to prevent swine flu. Maintain your health and immunity well. Eat healthy food, get good sleep, avoid stress. Avoid visiting crowded public places if you can. If you do visit them, wash your hands and feet well. Better still, just take a shower.
Vaccines: Though injectable vaccines (Influvac, Agrippal, Vaxigrip, Vaxiflu-S and Fluarix) against swine flu are available, the Government has ruled out universal vaccination for now and has recommended that it be used only for people who are actively treating the swine flu patients (doctors and other medical practitioners). Read in detail about some more facts about Swine flu you should know.
With inputs from PTI
Image Source: Getty Images
Published : January 31, 2015 4:47 pm | Updated:January 31, 2015 5:49 pm
