Swine Flu Information

Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza virus that regularly causes outbreaks of influenza in pigs. The virus currently spreading among people is now generally referred to as swine flu. Swine flu viruses are usually of H1N1 sub-type. The swine flu that has spread to humans is a version of this virus. Swine influenza viruses may circulate among swine throughout the year, but most outbreaks occur during the late fall and winter months similar to outbreaks in humans. Why is swine flu affecting humans? The swine flu virus has changed and is now able to infect humans and transmit between them. Most commonly, these cases occur in persons with direct exposure to pigs (e.g. children near pigs at a fair or workers in the swine industry). In addition, there have been documented cases of one person spreading swine flu to others. Symptoms of swine flu are: Fast breathing or trouble breathingrnBluish or gray skin colorrnNot drinking enough fluidsrnSevere or persistent vomitingrnNot interactingrnIrritationrnFlu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse coughrnPain or pressure in the chest or abdomenrnSudden dizzinessrnConfusionrnSore throatrnNausearnDiarrhea Treatment of Swine Flu Mild influenza illness does not require specific anti viral medicine.rnMedicines should be taken only on advice of the doctor.rnParacetamol for fever and ibuprofen for myalgia can be taken as per the advice of the dooctor.rnOseltamivir, if prescribed / advised by the doctor only.rnChildren need to be given paediatric preparation and dosage of the above drugs.rnMedicines (other than paracetamol) available for fever, headache, body ache in general groceries, pan shops etc should not be taken as they may contain aspirin.rnAspirin should not be given for fever or body ache.rnPatients should take plenty of fluids.rnIf fever is not responding, there is worsening of symptoms and in particular altered sensorium (confusion, incoherent speech etc) / loss of consciousness or difficulty in breathing, patient should be referred to nearest identified health facility. Swine Flu Precaution Precautions from swine flu for general person Get a yearly seasonal flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against seasonal influenza.rnPeople at high risk of serious flu complications, including young children, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes or heart and lung disease and people 65 years and older should get vaccination.rnWash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.rnAvoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.rnTry to avoid close contact with sick people.rnIf you are sick with flu-like illness, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gonernWhile sick, limit contact with others to keep from infecting themrnReduce the time spent in crowded settings if possiblernImprove airflow in your living space by opening windowsrnPractice good health habits including adequate sleep, eating nutritious food, and keeping physically active Precautions form swine flu for sick person Keep the sick person in a room separate from the common areas of the house. (For example, a spare bedroom with its own bathroom, if that’s possible.) Keep the sickroom door closed.rnWear mask all the time. Three layered surgical mask should be provided by the hospital / community health worker. If mask is not readily available, mouth and nose should be covered with a piece of cloth / handkerchief / tissue paper.rnavoid smokingrnThe sick person should clean his hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub often, especially after coughing and/or sneezing.rnUnless necessary, person with the flu should not leave the home when he has a fever or during the time that he is most likely to spread the infection to othersrnAvoid going into the community, school, office, marketsrnIf person with the flu needs to leave the home (for example, for medical care), he should cover the nose and mouth when coughing or sneezingrnHave the sick person wear a surgical mask if they need to be in a common area of the house near other personsrnIf possible, sick persons should use a separate bathroom. This bathroom should be cleaned daily with household disinfectantrn