Saturday, February 5, 2011
Swine flu spreading fast Czech Republic 2011
Doctors report a heightened incidence of swine flu across the country with some regions having crossed the threshold of an epidemic. South Moravia reports a 17 percent increase in flu cases in the past week alone and five schools in the region have closed due to illness. The country’s chief hygiene officer has advised all Czech hospitals to close their doors to visitors. A dozen swine flu patients are reported to be on support ventilation in serious condition.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Slovakia reports its first swine flu death of season
Slovakian health officials Friday confirmed the country's first death due to swine flu this winter, dpa reported.
The victim was a 40-year-old man from the eastern city of Humenne. He died December 22.
Gabriel Simko, the acting director of the Slovakian Hygeine Authority, confirmed the death to the TASR news agency. Officials have reported seven infections due to the H1N1 virus this season, Simko said.
The victim was a 40-year-old man from the eastern city of Humenne. He died December 22.
Gabriel Simko, the acting director of the Slovakian Hygeine Authority, confirmed the death to the TASR news agency. Officials have reported seven infections due to the H1N1 virus this season, Simko said.
Swine flu - prevention, treatment and vaccine
If you think you have developed flu-like symptoms, you should stay at home and avoid contact with other people. (Contact NHS Direct on 0845 4647 who will use a checklist to diagnose if you have swine flu. If diagnosed, you will be given a voucher number for a ‘flu friend’ to get anti-viral drugs from a collection point).
Contact your GP for advice; most people with ‘flu need only rest in bed with plenty of fluids to drink and paracetamol for their temperature and aches and pains. However, vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, children under five, the over 65’s and those with a serious pre-existing condition such as heart disease, asthma, diabetes or immunosuppressive illnesses may need extra treatment such as anti-viral drugs.
These drugs, which include Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) or Relenza (Zanamivir), are available free of charge on the NHS. Novel H1N1 (swine flu) seems to respond to these medicines in the same way as seasonal flu. Pregnant women, people with health conditions and the under-ones will still all be referred to their GPs.
The treatments are not a cure but can reduce the risk of infection for those who have been exposed to the virus, reduce the ability of a person with the virus to pass it on, and shorten the course of the illness when someone has flu. Most importantly these drugs treatments reduce the risk of serious complications and death. For maximum effect, the drugs should be given as early as possible to someone who has the flu.
However, as with any medicines there may be side effects from anti-viral drugs. Many people with swine flu will only have mild symptoms and they may decide that a combination of rest and simple remedies for symptoms are all that they need.
Treat symptoms as they arise. Try to keep well hydrated with plenty of clear fluids. Take paracetamol or ibuprofen (children should not be given aspirin because of the risk of Reyes syndrome) for aches and pains, and use simple remedies such as cough syrups and vapour rubs. Try to rest as much as possible.
As with all infections, good hygiene is absolutely essential to reduce the risk of spread or contact with the virus:
* Wash your hands regularly
* Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
* Use tissues and dispose of them carefully
* Clean hard surfaces regularly with a standard cleaning fluid
* Avoid close contact with people who have fever and a cough
The effectiveness of wearing a face mask in preventing transmission of the flu virus isn’t yet clear, although it may give some protection to those people such as health professionals who work closely with someone with symptoms of flu.
Don’t worry about eating pork products – there is no evidence that swine flu can be picked up that way. Even if virus is present in the meat, thorough cooking will destroy it.
Contact your GP for advice; most people with ‘flu need only rest in bed with plenty of fluids to drink and paracetamol for their temperature and aches and pains. However, vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, children under five, the over 65’s and those with a serious pre-existing condition such as heart disease, asthma, diabetes or immunosuppressive illnesses may need extra treatment such as anti-viral drugs.
These drugs, which include Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) or Relenza (Zanamivir), are available free of charge on the NHS. Novel H1N1 (swine flu) seems to respond to these medicines in the same way as seasonal flu. Pregnant women, people with health conditions and the under-ones will still all be referred to their GPs.
The treatments are not a cure but can reduce the risk of infection for those who have been exposed to the virus, reduce the ability of a person with the virus to pass it on, and shorten the course of the illness when someone has flu. Most importantly these drugs treatments reduce the risk of serious complications and death. For maximum effect, the drugs should be given as early as possible to someone who has the flu.
However, as with any medicines there may be side effects from anti-viral drugs. Many people with swine flu will only have mild symptoms and they may decide that a combination of rest and simple remedies for symptoms are all that they need.
Treat symptoms as they arise. Try to keep well hydrated with plenty of clear fluids. Take paracetamol or ibuprofen (children should not be given aspirin because of the risk of Reyes syndrome) for aches and pains, and use simple remedies such as cough syrups and vapour rubs. Try to rest as much as possible.
As with all infections, good hygiene is absolutely essential to reduce the risk of spread or contact with the virus:
* Wash your hands regularly
* Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
* Use tissues and dispose of them carefully
* Clean hard surfaces regularly with a standard cleaning fluid
* Avoid close contact with people who have fever and a cough
The effectiveness of wearing a face mask in preventing transmission of the flu virus isn’t yet clear, although it may give some protection to those people such as health professionals who work closely with someone with symptoms of flu.
Don’t worry about eating pork products – there is no evidence that swine flu can be picked up that way. Even if virus is present in the meat, thorough cooking will destroy it.
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