H1 N1 INFLUENZA !!

H1 N1 INFLUENZA
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H1 N1 influenza is a new viral disease other wise called swine flu first detected in April 2009 in USA. It is a global disease and already in INDIA. It affects primarily younger and older people.



Symptoms in children: 1) Fever throat pain , cold and cough.
2) Fast breathing or difficulty in breathing.
3) Dehydration.
4) Vomiting.
5) Body aches.

Symptoms in adults: 1) Difficulty in breathing.
2) Chest or Stomach pain.
3) Giddiness, confusion.
4) Vomiting.
5) Flu like symptoms and repeated feverish
condition and cough.



It spreads mainly by person to person through infected droplets expelled by coughing or sneezing of infected person. The treatment for this H1 N1 virus is available in INDIA. The drug is Oseltamivir (Tami flu) available only at recognized centers in Bangalore. It is used strictly under medical supervision.

The treatment at present is available at:
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01. Rajiv Gandhi Chest Institute:Phone No. 2663 2634
02. Lake side Hospital:2536 6725
03. Victoria Hospital:2670 3294

The testing is also done in these centers including NIMHANS where throat swab is taken from strongly suspected person for finding Swine flu virus.

At present, new guidelines from the Central Government is clearly specify that only those on international travel history or contact with confirmed positive cases need to be quarantined and there throat swab is sent for testing, simple merely cough and cold, fever need not rush to hospital for checking for swine flu, only if persistent symptom and sore throat, high fever, myalgia and breathlessness need to be attended immediately. In these cases in doubt it is requested to meet Medical Officer at Health Centre. The experts say that swine flu is mild self resolving disease and in 98 % cases rest and general treatment is enough to recover. H1 N1 flu is not as dangerous as it thought to be it is like any other flu and not to be panicky. It is advisable to take following precautionary measures.

There is no vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu.
There are every day actions that can help to prevent the spread of virus that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these every day steps to protect your health:

• First and most important: wash your hands often with soap and
water, especially after you cough or sneeze;
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth;
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people;
• Reduce the time spent in crowded setting if possible;
• Improve airflow in your living space by opening windows;
• Practice good health habits including adequate sleep, eating
nutritious food, and keeping physically active;
• If you are having flu like symptoms do stay at home for the
minimum period of one week;
• Do use tissue paper while coughing or sneezing and throw it
promptly.



(Dr. G.R. Nagabhushana)
Chief Medical Officer, IISc, Bangalore.