Treat H1N1 as Just Another Flu, Say Experts

Influenza A H1N1 seems to be turning into a health scare in Delhi, with more than 40 cases reported and also one person succumbing to it. However, health experts say there is no need to panic, and it should be treated like any other seasonal influenza. “Indian Medical Association (IMA) endorses the views of WHO and ministry of health, government of India, that Influenza A H1N1, commonly known as swine flu, should be treated like any other normal flu,” the association informed.

Swine flu is just like an ordinary flu. Symptoms of which are fever, cough, sore throat, bodyaches, and malaise. Rarely, they are nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and rashes.

Experts say, the drop in temperature has led to increase in the number of cases but they will drop once the weather clears out.

Flu is diagnosed when a person suffers from cough and cold. Swine flu patients don’t require antibiotics. But sore throat is not a sign of flu. A person who has cough and cold with breathlessness requires hospitalisation.

Dr Charan Singh, Delhi government’s nodal officer for swine flu, said, “Routine screening has also been stopped as most people have developed anti-bodies against the virus. However, there is no harm in taking preventive measures.”

Prevention mainly involves implementation of the respiratory hygiene, cough etiquette and hand hygiene.

• Maintain a distance of at least 3 feet from the person who is coughing and sneezing.
• Covering the mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough and sneeze and put the used tissue in a waste basket.
• If one does not have a tissue one should cough and sneeze into the upper sleeves and not hands or handkerchief.
• Hand hygiene can be performed by washing hands with soap and water or by using alcohol-based hand rubs.

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Source-Medindia