By Sandeep Mishra
Post News Network
Bhubaneswar, Feb 2: The deadly H1N1 virus or swine flu that had triggered mayhem in the country in 2009-10 is back again. Although several preventable measures have been introduced, the people are yet to adhere to prescribed norms.
Orissa has recorded four swine flu cases and includes the person infected by the virus who died Sunday afternoon. The Health department and other voluntary bodies have tightened their belts to fight the disease. However, there is a need for the people to be conscious of the menace, experts here have opined.
Capital Hospital director BB Pattnaik told Orissa POST that H1N1 is an air-borne disease that can inflict a person by touching another infected person. “One should be careful enough and stay away from people who have cough and cold for a long time. They should ensure covering their face as inhaling near an afflicted person can invite the virus,” said Pattnaik.
Health expert Shantanu Kar said H1N1 is influenza and may occur at a particular time of the year.
“The symptoms of the disease include fever, cough, sore throat, stuffy nose and vomiting. If a person experiences these, he or she should immediately see a doctor. The people at high risk areas should consume Tamiflu tablet to stay safe,” said Kar who is the director-cum-scientist of Regional Medical Research Centre (RMRC) here.
“As the flu is air-borne, one should cover his or her face while visiting a public place like a temple, mosque or a haspital. All should ensure hand wash each time they consume food or any other work when hands come closer to mouth or nose,” said public health director Kailash Das. However, there is also a need to intensify awareness on flue as many people do not know its symptoms and prevention. “I don’t know how the virus will infect me or what I should do to prevent it. But I know, I should cover my face when I am outdoors,” said Shyamali Mohanty, a resident.
The Union Health ministry has also issued advisories to the states to build capacity to manage the seasonal influenza. The states have been alerted on risk categorisation of the patients and clinical case management. The ministry has initiated awareness campaigns through print and visual media to educate the people.
SYMPTOMS
1. Fever, cough, sore throat, stuffy nose, body-ache, headache, chillness, fatigue, diarrhoea and vomiting.
2.The symptoms develop in one to three days after one is exposed to the virus. The ailment continues for about seven days.
3.High-risk groups are people who are hospitalised, younger than five years of age, older than 65 years, pregnant and people having respiratory diseases.
REMEDY
Consult a doctor if flu symptoms occur or persist. Chronic patients and pregnant women suffering from emphysema or a heart condition are prone to the disease and must see a doctor immediately.
