This was send by my friend, thought everyone of us should know...

What is it?

Swine Flu (as H1N1 A) is a new strain of the influenza virus that attacks the respiratory system. It is one of the

Type A influenzas, which cause mass pandemic and have severe symptoms. It is believed to have originated in

Pigs in Asia, but is now uniquely a human disease, spreading throughout the world.

Am I at risk?

Those most at risk include:

• Children up to the age of 14

  
  




• Those with a weak immune system such as babies under the age of one, those aged 65 and above, pregnant women,

  
  

AIDS patients and the obese.

• Those who suffer from respiratory conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

How can I prevent it?

The Virus is spread by inhaling droplets expelled from infected person’s cough or sneeze.

It can be passed by touching infected surfaces, so….

• Wash your hand thoroughly with anti- bacterial soap and water often.

  
  




• Cough or sneeze into a clean tissue and throw it into a bin immediately. Cotton hankies are not

  
  

ideal because germs remain on them until they are washed.

• Wear a disposable mask while travelling to countries affected with Swine flu. Change the mask every eight hours.

Mask should tightly cover your nose and your mouth.

What should I keep ready?

• Stock up on flu medications that contain paracetamol.

  
  




• Tamilflu can act as a preventative if taken daily during an outbreak.

  
  




• Have a thermometer and face mask handy.

  
  

IF YOU GET IT

Have I got it?

The symptoms of swine flu are broadly the same as that of seasonal flu, but they could be more of the following symptons:

• Fever

  
  




• Cough

  
  




• Pain in the Limbs or Joints

  
  




• Diarrhoea or Vomiting

  
  




• Sore throat

  
  




• Running nose

  
  

What if I have it?

• Monitor Your fever and check your symptoms by calling the 24-hour toll free helpline 1075 or 188-11-4377

  
  




• Do not go to a clinic as you might spread the infection.

  
  




• Get yourself admitted to the swine flu quarantine units at: Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital and

  
  

Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Hospital. Guru Tegh Bahadur Hospital, Hindu Rao Hospital, Babu Jagjivan Ram Hospital,

Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Hospital, Deen Dayal Upadhyay Hospital and Safdarjang Hospital.

What is the Treatment?

• Drink plenty of fluids and get lots of rest.

  
  




• Antiviral such as Tamiflu and Relenza need to be taken within the first 48 hours of Symptoms appearing.

  
  

Tamiflu is a capsule whereas Relenza is in the form of an inhaler.

• Taking antibiotics can help limit the spread of secondary infections in your hands.

  
  




• A swine flu vaccine is being developed and the first batch is expected to be available by late August or early September.

  
  

KEEP IN MIND

Anything else I should Know?

• If you come in contact with someone who has swine flu, or are looking after someone

Who is infected, there is no need to isolate yourself.

• You will not be given antiviral as a preventative.

  
  




• If you or one of your family becomes ill it is a good idea for them to stay in

  
  

separates section of the house, especially if there are any children of pregnant women in the household

• Carers must wash their hands after contact with the infected.

  
  




• You should stay at home until all the symptoms have disappeared and you are fully recovered and fit to work.

  
  




• You cannot get swine flu twice because your body would have built up resistance to the virus.