anjumshaikh
3

SWINE FLU FACTFILE

What are the symptoms?

Swine flu symptoms are similar to the symptoms of regular flu and include fever of over 100.4ฐF, fatigue, lack of appetite, and cold. Some people with swine flu have also reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Nearly everyone with flu has at least two of these symptoms.

So, how do you know if you have flu or just cold?

There is one clue: when you have the flu, you feel flu symptoms sooner than you would cold symptoms, and they come on with much greater intensity. With the flu, you may feel very weak and fatigued for up to 2 or 3 weeks. You'll have muscle aches and periods of chills and sweats as fever comes and goes. You may also have a stuffy or runny nose, headache, and sore throat.

Can I compare flu symptoms with cold symptoms?

Yes. The following chart can help you compare flu symptoms with cold symptoms. Use it to lean the differences and similarities between flu and cold symptoms. Then, if you get flu symptoms, call your doctor and ask about an antiviral drug.

Symptoms Cold Flu

Fever Rare Characteristic, high 100-102 degrees F); lasts 3-4 days

Headache Rare Prominent

General aches, pains Slight Usual; often severe

Fatigue, Weakness Quite mild Can last up to 2-3 weeks

Extreme Exhaustion Never Early and prominent

Stuffy Nose Common Sometimes

Chest Discomfort, Cough Mild to moderate; hacking cough Common; can become severe

You cannot confirm if you have swine flu just based on your symptoms. Like seasonal flu, pandemic swine flu can cause neurologic symptoms in children. These events are rare, but, as cases associated with seasonal flu have shown, they can be very severe and often fatal.

Doctors may offer a rapid flu test, but what you need to understand is a negative result doesn't necessarily mean you don't have the flu. Only lab tests can definitively show whether you've got swine flu. State health departments can do these tests.

What should you do immediately?

Those of you who have travelled from the affected countries in the past ten days and show symptoms swine flu like fever, cough, sore throat and difficulty in breathing should immediately contact the telephone number given below or visit the nearby Government Hospital.

Important contact numbers:

Outbreak Monitoring Cell (Control Room, NICD): 011-23921401

Websites: www.mohfw.nic.in and www.nicd.nic.in

You can also contact a toll free number 2392 1401 at the National Institute of Communicable Disease

Contact number for Mumbai

Kasturba Hospital, Arthur Road, Sane Guruji Marg, Mumbai 400011

Ph: 022- 23083901 / 23092458 / 23000889

What is the treatment?

Antiviral drugs can be used to treat swine flu or to prevent infection with swine flu viruses. The anti-viral medicines oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza) are being used to treat people with swine flu. Antiviral drugs work by preventing the flu virus from reproducing. To be effective you need to take them within 48 hours of the symptoms beginning. These flu drugs can decrease the duration of the flu by 1 to 2 days if used within this early time period. These antivirals are usually given for a period of about 5-7 days. It's unclear whether these drugs can prevent complications of the flu. Tamiflu is approved for prevention and treatment in people 1 year old and older. Relenza is approved for treatment of people 7 years old and older and for prevention in people 5 years old and older. These medications must be prescribed by a health care professional.

Side effects: Side effects of antiviral drugs may include nervousness, poor concentration, nausea, and vomiting. Relenza is not recommended for people with a history of breathing problems, such as asthma, because it may cause a worsening of breathing problems. Discuss side effects with your doctor.

Self medication: Antibiotics are a no-no. Chances are that antibiotics will not help your flu symptoms. That's because flu, colds, and most sore throats and bronchitis are caused by viruses. In addition, taking antibiotics when you have a virus may do more harm than good. Taking antibiotics when they are not needed increases your risk of getting an infection later that resists antibiotic treatment. Antibiotics only cure certain infections due to bacteria -- and if taken carelessly, you may get more serious health problems than you bargained for.

Is there a vaccine to treat swine flu virus? No, there isn’t a vaccine yet. But vaccines are being made in large quantities. Clinical tests will begin in August 2009. Depending on how long federal officials wait for the results of these tests, tens of millions of doses of swine flu vaccine could be ready as soon as September 2009, with more vaccine becoming available each month thereafter. The first doses of vaccine likely will go to pregnant women and young children ages 6 months to 4 years, with older school kids to follow.

Source: Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Health Service, UK website, WebMD

Who is at risk?

Those who are more at risk from becoming seriously ill with swine flu are people with:

• chronic (long-term) lung disease, including people who have had drug treatment for their asthma within the past three years,

• chronic heart disease,

• chronic kidney disease,

• chronic liver disease,

• chronic neurological disease (neurological disorders include motor neurone disease, Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis),

• suppressed immune systems (whether caused by disease or treatment),

• diabetes,

• pregnant women,

• people aged 65 or older, and

• young children under five.

Source: National Health Service, UK website

How does it spread?

The new swine flu virus is highly contagious, that is it spreads from person to person. The virus is spread through the droplets that come out of the nose or mouth when someone coughs or sneezes. If someone coughs or sneezes and they do not cover it, those droplets can spread about one metre (3ft). If you are very nearby you might breathe them in.

Or, if someone coughs or sneezes into their hand, those droplets and the virus within them are easily transferred to surfaces that the person touches, such as door handles, hand rails, telephones and keyboards. If you touch these surfaces and touch your face, the virus can enter your system, and you can become infected.

Source: National Health Service, UK website

Can it be prevented?

Influenza antiviral drugs also can be used to prevent influenza when they are given to a person who is not ill, but who has been or may be near a person with swine influenza. When used to prevent the flu, antiviral drugs are about 70% to 90% effective. When used for prevention, the number of days that they should be used will vary depending on a person’s particular situation.

Follow this general procedure to reduce the risk of catching or spreading the virus, you should:

• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, using a tissue

• Throw the tissue away quickly and carefully

• Wash your hands regularly with soap and water

• Clean hard surfaces (like door handles and remote controls) frequently with a normal cleaning product

• Keep away from others as much as possible. This is to keep from making others sick. Do not go to work or school while ill

• Stay home for at least 24 hours after fever is gone, except to seek medical care or for other necessities. (Fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)

• Drink clear fluids (such as water, broth, sports drinks, electrolyte beverages for infants) to keep from being dehydrated

• Wear a facemask – if available and tolerable – when sharing common spaces with other household members to help prevent spreading the virus to others.

Will it help to wear a mask?

Information on the effectiveness of facemasks and respirators for decreasing the risk of influenza infection in community settings is extremely limited. So, it is difficult to assess their potential effectiveness in decreasing the risk of Swine Flu virus transmission in these settings. However, a well-fitted, FDA-approved mask together with other preventive measures MAY reduce the risk of contracting the flu. Those who are sick or caring for someone who is ill should consider using a mask or respirator if leaving the house becomes necessary.

What precautions should one take at home?

Two things - soap and water can reduce the chance of infection by 30 per cent. All you need to do is keep washing your hand with soap and water frequently. Wash hands frequently with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand cleaner when soap and water are not available. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth

Eat healthy: Proteins are essential to help your body maintain and build strength. Lean meat, poultry, fish, legumes, dairy, eggs, and nuts and seeds are good sources of protein.

The Food and Drug Administration recommends that adults eat 50 grams of protein per day. Pregnant and nursing women need more. By eating foods high in protein, we also get the benefit of other healing nutrients such as vitamins B6 and B12, both of which contribute to a healthy immune system.

Vitamin B6 is widely available in foods, including protein foods such as turkey and beans as well as potatoes, spinach, and enriched cereal grains. Proteins such as meats, milk, and fish also contain vitamin B12, a powerful immune booster.

Minerals such as selenium and zinc work to keep the immune system strong. These minerals are found in protein rich foods such as beans, nuts, meat, and poultry.

Exercise: Regular exercise may help prevent the flu. According to recent findings, when moderate exercise is repeated on a near daily basis, there is a cumulative immune-enhancing effect. That is, your strong immune system can fight flu better. When you exercise, your white blood cells -- the blood cells that fight infections in the body -- travel through your body more quickly, fighting bacteria and viruses (such as flu) more efficiently. To maintain good health, experts recommend at least 30 minutes of aerobic activity such as walking, swimming, biking, or running each day.

What precautions should one take at schools?

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick

• People who are sick with an influenza-like illness should stay home and keep away from others as much as possible, including avoiding travel, for at least 24 hours after fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Fever should be gone without the use of fever-reducing medicine). Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing

• Wash your hands often

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth

Is it safe to travel?

Avoid travelling unnecessarily. However, if you must travel, check how the country you're going to handles swine flu. Although, the WHO doesn't recommend travel restrictions, many countries have set up their own H1N1 policies, and some travellers have been screened or quarantined in other countries because of swine flu concerns.

From Singapore
chintu2010
1

SWINE Flu - TIPS

Patients in sunlit wards recover more quickly; therefore, flu patients must be exposed to sunlight.

The following are some safe sunbathing instructions:

Keep exposures short (10 to 15 minutes)

Frequent exposures are better than prolonged exposures

It is essential to obtain full spectrum sunlight, so, don't cover yourself with sunscreen or sun block

Begin sunbathing the legs and arms

Be cautious while exposing the sensitive skin of the face and neck

Once you get used to sunbathing, slowly expose the back and chest areas

Tolerance to sun exposure may vary, so listen to your body. If the skin starts getting pink, or shows any signs of sun burn take refuge from the heat, indoors.

If sunlight is inadequate, artificial full spectrum lights can be used to obtain the benefits of sunlight. Ten minutes in front of a full spectrum sunlamp 2 to 3 times a week significantly increases the immunity to infectious diseases.

Coconut Oil is a powerful antimicrobial food that is very effective against all kinds of viruses. The medium chain fatty acid (MCT) in coconut oil has been found to inactivate viruses (4). Coconut oil can either be included in the diet (as cooking oil) and/or can be used to massage the body. Massaging with coconut oil allows large amounts to be rapidly absorbed by the skin which provides a boost to the bodily defenses.

A combination of sunlight and coconut oil is a powerful natural remedy for preventing and curing swine flu.

From Korea
chintu2010
1

The deadly Swine Flu has reached the Indian shores following the global outbreak

and now, claimed one life. However, Swine Flu is certainly one of those diseased

where an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Here are ten tips for you

to keep away from the pandemic.

1. Wash your hands frequently

Use the antibacterial soaps to cleanse your hands. Wash them often, at least 15

seconds and rinse with running water.

2. Get enough sleep

Try to get 8 hours of good sleep every night to keep your immune system in top

flu-fighting shape.

3. Drink sufficient water

Drink 8 to10 glasses of water each day to flush toxins from your system and

maintain good moisture and mucous production in your sinuses.

4. Boost your immune system

Keeping your body strong, nourished, and ready to fight infection is important

in flu prevention. So stick with whole grains, colorful vegetables, and

vitamin-rich fruits.

5. Keep informed

The government is taking necessary steps to prevent the pandemic and

periodically release guidelines to keep the pandemic away. Please make sure to

keep up to date on the information and act in a calm manner.

6. Avoid alcohol

Apart from being a mood depressant, alcohol is an immune suppressant that can

actually decrease your resistance to viral infections like swine flu. So stay

away from alcoholic drinks so that your immune system may be strong.

7. Be physically active

Moderate exercise can support the immune system by increasing circulation and

oxygenating the body. For example brisk walking for 30-40 minutes 3-4 times a

week will significantly perk up your immunity.

8. Keep away from sick people

Flu virus spreads when particles dispersed into the air through a cough or

sneeze reach someone elseโ€™s nose. So if you have to be around someone who is

sick, try to stay a few feet away from them and especially, avoid physical

contact.

9. Know when to get help

Consult your doctor if you have a cough and fever and follow their instructions,

including taking medicine as prescribed.

10. Avoid crowded areas

Try to avoid unnecessary trips outside.

From Korea
impforsk
1

As on 2day H1N1 is a hot and important topic os any living being around the globe . But state Govts. shud take immd action for the remedy for that killing disease without killing the time . Am impressed and going to put this info. in our office Noticer Board so that v shud take imp. action against this jaan levaa disease .
From India, Bhubaneswar
Tunar
Dear All, Please find a ppt attached on the subject. Take care. Tunar
From India, Ahmadabad
Attached Files (Download Requires Membership)
File Type: ppt Swine Flu Info.ppt (679.0 KB, 39 views)

karishmachandna
3

Tulsi can help keep swine flu away: Ayurvedic experts

Tulsi can help keep swine flu away: Ayurvedic experts

LUCKNOW: Wonder herb Tulsi can not only keep the dreaded swine flu at bay but also help in fast recovery of an afflicted person, Ayurvedic practitioners claim.

"The anti-flu property of Tulsi has been discovered by medical experts across the world quite recently. Tulsi improves the body's overall defence mechanism including its ability to fight viral diseases. It was successfully used in combating Japanese Encephalitis and the same theory applies to swine flu," Dr U K Tiwari, a herbal medicine practitioner says.

Apart from acting as a preventive medicine in case of swine flu, Tulsi can help the patient recover faster.

"Even when a person has already contracted swine flu, Tulsi can help in speeding up the recovery process and also help in strengthening the immune system of the body," he claims.

Dr Bhupesh Patel, a lecturer at Gujarat Ayurved University, Jamnagar is also of the view that Tulsi can play an important role in controlling swine flu.

"Tulsi can control swine flu and it should be taken in fresh form. Juice or paste of at least 20-25 medium sized leaves should be consumed twice a day on an empty stomach."

“This increases the resistance of the body and, thereby, reduces the chances of inviting swine flu," believes Patel.

When asked as to what extent Tulsi should be used in treating swine flu, the lecturer said, "It all depends upon the intensity of the disease. And the dose is administered accordingly."

Dr Narendra Singh, who worked with the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics at the erstwhile King George Medical College, Lucknow, also believes that Tulsi can help in containing swine flu.

"Three varieties of Tulsi leaves - Krishna (Ocimum sanctum), Vana (Ocimum gratissimum) and Katuki (Picrorriza kurroa) improve cell mediated immunity. These are anti-viral agents and improve body's resistance against various diseases including swine flu," he said.

Moreover, the practitioners said taking Tulsi is safe as it has no side effects and can be taken along with other medicines..

From India, Delhi
rajeshauchare
2

Dear Friends,
As precautionery measure it is suggested that all employee's should wear mask in office premises.
List of swine flu screening centers in India is attached herewith.
Please contribute towards preventing spread of swin flu (H1N1) infection.
Thanks & Regards,
Rajesh Auchare
9011010072

From India, Mumbai
Attached Files (Download Requires Membership)
File Type: doc Swine flu screening centers.doc (38.0 KB, 29 views)

anthonypaul
16

Hi All,

Not just Tulasi, Vitamin C rich substances are known to boost immunity. So taking hot Lemon or Amla (Indian Gooseberry) powder mixed with hot water would be very helpful.

Use “Nilgiri Oil” (Eucalyptus oil) drops on handkerchiefs and masks as one of the preventive measures against Swine Flu (NIV) National Institute of Virology.

Please share this valuable information with your friends.

Thank

Anto





One of the preventive measures against Swine Flu

Indian herbs

Tulsi can help keep swine flu away: Ayurvedic experts

Lucknow, May 27: Wonder herb Tulsi can not only keep the dreaded swine flu at bay but also help in fast recovery of an afflicted person, Ayurvedic practitioners claim.

"The anti-flu property of Tulsi has been discovered by medical experts across the world quite recently. Tulsi improves the body's overall defence mechanism including its ability to fight viral diseases. It was successfully used in combating Japanese Encephalitis and the same theory applies to swine flu," Dr U K Tiwari, a herbal medicine practitioner says.

Apart from acting as a preventive medicine in case of swine flu, Tulsi can help the patient recover faster.

"Even when a person has already contracted swine flu, Tulsi can help in speeding up the recovery process and also help in strengthening the immune system of the body," he claims.

Dr Bhupesh Patel, a lecturer at Gujarat Ayurved University, Jamnagar is also of the view that Tulsi can play an important role in controlling swine flu.

"Tulsi can control swine flu and it should be taken in fresh form. Juice or paste of at least 20-25 medium sized leaves should be consumed twice a day on an empty stomach."

This increases the resistance of the body and, thereby, reduces the chances of inviting swine flu," believes Patel.

Bureau Report

From United States, Palo Alto
rajeshauchare
2

Hi Friends,
As a precautionery measure everyboby has to wear Mask in office preimises.
List of Swine Flu screening centers in India is attached.
Please contribute towards preventing spread of Swine Flu (H1N1) infeaction.
Regards,
Rajesh Auchare
9011010072:icon1:

From India, Mumbai
Attached Files (Download Requires Membership)
File Type: doc Swine flu screening centers.doc (38.0 KB, 29 views)

kapil_srkg
2

Attaching herewith a PPT for your further reference
From India, Delhi
Attached Files (Download Requires Membership)
File Type: ppt FLU PREPAREDNESS.ppt (297.5 KB, 43 views)

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