This is to inform you about the nature and symptoms of H1N1 flu, precautions you can take at home and the workplace, and the Government of India's guidelines.
India has reported 615 positive cases of H1N1 flu so far. Of this 487 have been treated and discharged. One death has been reported in Pune on 3rd August, 2009. Due to the increase in reported cases of H1N1, the Government of Maharashtra has invoked the Epidemic Control Act to help prevent further spread of the pandemic H1N1 virus. The Act requires that people with symptoms of the H1N1 influenza are to report to government hospitals, where appropriate diagnostic tests or treatment will be provided.
All continents are currently affected by the pandemic. As of 31st of July 2009, 168 countries reported at least one laboratory confirmed case of H1N1 to World Health Organization (WHO).
It is also true that the viral behavior may change; but there is no evidence that it has done so.
Facts about H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu)
To date most people around the world who have contracted the H1N1 virus suffer a relatively mild, self limiting illness. A very low proportion of cases are reported with serious health problems.
Currently, the virus is expected to be prevalent in communities around the globe for some months to come. This virus spreads from person-to-person, probably the same way that seasonal influenza viruses spread. There are many actions you can take to protect yourself, your family and the workplace.
Signs and symptoms of the H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu Symptoms)
The symptoms of the H1N1 flu virus in people are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and may include fever, cough, headache, body aches, chills, fatigue, sneezing, sore throat and running nose. A significant number of people who have been infected with the H1N1 virus have also reported diarrhea and vomiting.
The high risk groups for H1N1 flu are not known definitively at this time, but it’s possible that they may be the same as is the case for seasonal influenza. People at higher risk of serious complications from seasonal flu include people over the age of 65 years, children below the age of five years, pregnant women, people with chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), and those who are immunosuppressive (e.g., taking immunosuppressive medications, infected with HIV). Researchers are still trying to determine if younger people are more susceptible to H1N1 Flu.
Swine Flu Prevention ?
Wash Your Hands:
Before eating or preparing food
After coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose
After using the washroom
Hand washing technique:
Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds. Rinse well, with hands held downward. Dry with a paper towel, then use the towel to turn off the faucet
If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand cleanser. Alcohol-based hand cleansers significantly reduce the number of germs
Spread of germs:
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs often spread when a person touches something contaminated and then touches their eyes, nose or mouth
Avoid close contact with people who are sick
Attempt to keep at least three (3) feet or one (1) meter away from ill individuals
When sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick
Practice respiratory etiquette. Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, use tissues and dispose them properly. Wash your hands afterwards
Workplace instructions if you become ill or exposed
If you have been diagnosed with H1N1 Flu or have symptoms of this illness including fever and cough, sore throat or body aches you are requested to refrain from coming into any environment (including customers).
Individuals providing direct care for someone with H1N1 Flu or symptoms of the illness are requested to refrain from coming into any environment (including customers).
This restriction applies for seven (7) calendar days from the last date of exposure to the ill person. During this time period, the exposed
individual should conduct self screening tests daily for identifying symptoms of illness.
Self screening
Individuals are asked to perform H1N1 Flu illness self screening, following exposure to a confirmed or suspected case. The following steps are to be conducted for self screening:
Step One: Check whether you have symptoms of illness including fever, cough, sore throat or body ache.
Step Two: Check your temperature using a standard, good quality thermometer following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Step Three: If you have symptoms as described in Step One or have a temperature greater than 100.4 deg F or 38 deg C, you are asked to refrain from coming into any environment. You must:
Government of India Revised Guidelines for testing people with flu-like symptoms, reporting to hospitals
Due to the onset of the influenza season in the country and to make the testing facility for H1N1 more accessible, Government of India has revised the existing guidelines.
Under the new guidelines, any person with flu like symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, cold, running nose etc. should go to a designated government facility for giving his/her sample for H1N1 testing. After clinical assessment, the designated medical officer will decide on the need for further clinical tests. Except for cases that are severe, the patient will be allowed to go home (this was not allowed under the existing guidelines).
Samples will be collected from suspected cases and sent to the notified laboratory for testing. If tested positive for H1N1 and in case the symptoms are mild, the patient will be notified and given the option of admission into the hospital or isolation and treatment at his/her own home.
In case the patient opts for home isolation and treatment, he/she would be provided with detailed guidelines/safety measures to be strictly adhered to by the entire household of the patient. He/ she is required to provide full contact details of all household members and social contacts so that they may be provided with preventive treatment.
The decision of the doctor from the notified hospital regarding admitting the patient will be final. In case the test results are negative, the patient will be informed, accordingly.
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