Swine Flu Protection In India Article

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Swine flu protection in india

Swine flu is already a global threat. In India, since the first casualty on Aug 3, 2009, the number of people affected is 19,962, while the current death toll stands at 558.

Author: George Mat

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But now doctors and medical experts warn that the approaching winter could bring with it a second wave of the disease that would mean rapid escalation in both, transmission rates as well as severity of symptoms. Here are a few guidelines to keep in mind.

How can I protect myself?

Since swine flu spreads through the cough or sneeze of infected people, hygiene is of utmost importance. Follow these rules at all times:

• Use a tissue to cover your nose and mouth while coughing and sneezing; dispose this properly.
• Regularly wash hands using water and soap or an alcohol bases sanitizer, especially when outside.
• Avoid eating or touching the nose, mouth or eyes with unwashed hands.

Stay away from persons with symptoms of respiratory illness. If you cannot do so, avoid or minimize contact with them, or with surfaces that they may have contaminated by their presence. Wash hands thoroughly and disinfect or discard clothes and other possessions that may have come into direct or indirect contact with such persons.

Will it help to wear a face mask or respirator?
However, most experts do not recommend the use of masks for general situations. If you are using one, get one that fits snugly on your face, thoroughly wash hands before putting it on, and change it regularly as prescribed, Face masks and respirators are recommended for people who are directly dealing with infected or sick people, for instance health care professionals or those nursing an infected person at home.

What symptoms should I watch out for?
Symptoms of swine flu closely resemble those of common influenza. They include fever, sneezing, coughing, sore throat, headache and body ache. Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea may also be there.

If you have these symptoms, it is important that you consult your doctor who will examine you and start treatment. While testing for swine flu is possible, your doctor may choose to begin treatment even without waiting for a laboratory confirmation.

Also, if you are showing flu symptoms, remain at home. Follow all basic hygiene precautions to prevent infecting those around you.

How is swine flu treated?
The antiviral drug Oseltamivir, now also manufactured in India as Antiflu, is the prescribed treatment for swine flu infection. Started early, the drug checks the development of the infection and prevents serious complications.

Immediately contact your doctor in case of any of these symptoms.

About Author

George Mat is a health and wellness writer at a bolohealth.com a health and wellness portal providing health information, health experts and health networking in india. For more information on swine flu please visit bolohealth's Swine flu center

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Swine flu protection in india