India Tuesday reported one more swine flu death, taking the total toll due to the influenza A (H1N1) virus to 101, health authorities said here.
The latest death was reported from Goa. While two deaths in Karnataka were suspected to be due to the virus, lab reports were still awaited.
Of the 101 deaths, Maharashtra has recorded the highest number of deaths, 55, followed by 27 in Andhra Pradesh.
The union health ministry recommended preventive homeopathy medicine, Arsenicum album 30. The decision to advise people to take the preventive medicine was taken after the Central Council for Research in Homeopathy (CCRH), a state-run research wing, gave the suggestion for curbing the spread of the diseases.
'It has recommended one doze of the medicine daily on empty stomach for three days. The dose should be repeated after one month by following the same schedule in case flu like conditions prevail in the area,' the ministry said in a statement.
Meanwhile, 114 people were tested positive for the influenza A (H1N1) virus Tuesday in the country, taking the total number of cases to 4,101.
Maharashtra continued to top the charts both in terms of deaths and positive cases. On Tuesday, 48 fresh cases were from the state alone. So far, about 1,687 people have been affected due to the virus in the state.
It was followed by Delhi in the number of cases. At least 665 people have been infected with the disease in the capital. On Tuesday, 10 fresh cases were reported in the Indian capital.
Karnataka reported 22 fresh cases, taking the total number of people infected with the virus to 463 - the third highest in the country.
Other fresh cases were reported from West Bengal (18) and Orissa (3). One case each was reported from Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir and Chhattisgarh while Puducherry and Chandigarh reported two swine flu cases each.
Meanwhile, a government study has found that swine flu is killing more young and middle-aged people and those suffering from associated diseases like diabetes and chronic heart ailment.
'We have conducted a study and found that more than 50 percent of those affected by the virus were in the age group of 15-45 years,' R.K. Srivastava, director general of the Directorate General of Health Services, told reporters.
'Deaths were also due to late reporting to identified health facilities and delay in initiation of Tamiflu,' he said.
The report, which was presented to Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad during Monday's stock-taking meeting of the ministry, studied the first 82 deaths that occurred till Aug 31.
Among the dead were 43 men and 39 women including three pregnant women.
Srivastava said that of the 82 deaths, 61 were in urban areas and 19 in rural areas.
He said there were five deaths in the age group of 0-5 years and three from 6-15 age group. Thirteen victims were from the age group of 16 to 25 years, while 18 people died in the age group of 26-35 years.
Srivastava said 24 people died in the age group of 36-45, as compared to 18 in the age group of 46-65. Only one person died in the above 65-year category.
Showing posts with label Pig flu. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pig flu. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Swine flu could kill as many as 30,000 to 90,000 people in US
Washington, August 25 (ANI): In a recently released report, the Obama administration's advisory group on Science and Technology has said that the H1N1 flu virus, dubbed 'Swine flu', could cause as many as 30,000 and 90,000 deaths in the United States and pose a serious health threat.
According to Fox News, deaths would be concentrated among children and young adults, determined the report.
In contrast, the typical seasonal flu kills between 30,000 and 40,000 annually - mainly among people over 65.
The report predicts 1.8 million will be hospitalized during the epidemic, with up to 300,000 patients requiring intensive care units.
These patients could occupy 50-100 percent of all ICU beds in affected regions at the peak of the epidemic and would place "enormous stress" on ICU units.
More needs to be done to speed up the "preparation of flu vaccine for distribution to high-risk individuals," otherwise the vaccine campaign - currently scheduled to begin in mid October - will have potentially missed the peak of the epidemic, according to the report.
The report from the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, PCAST, shows a sober assessment of the dangers of a pandemic, but also serves as a pat on the back for a White House preparing for its first public health crisis.
"Based on the history of influenza pandemics over the past hundred years, PCAST places the current outbreak somewhere between the two extremes that have informed public opinion about influenza," stated the report.
"On the one hand, the 2009-H1N1 virus does not thus far seem to show the virulence associated with the devastating pandemic of 1918-19. On the other hand, the 2009-H1N1 virus is a serious threat to our nation and the world," it added.
This is due to the likelihood that more people will be infected because so few people have immunity to the strain.
As a result, PCAST recommends that the Food and Drug Administration "accelerate a decision about the availability of antiviral drugs for intravenous use."
The current expectation is that the vaccine will be available in mid-October.
According to Harold Varmus, PCAST co-chair and President of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, despite the long 'to-do' list, the Obama administration has thus far done a good job of preparing for a national outbreak.
"The Federal Government's response has been truly impressive and we've all been pleased to see the high level of cooperation among the many departments and agencies that are gearing up for the expected fall resurgence of H1N1 flu," he said.
According to Fox News, deaths would be concentrated among children and young adults, determined the report.
In contrast, the typical seasonal flu kills between 30,000 and 40,000 annually - mainly among people over 65.
The report predicts 1.8 million will be hospitalized during the epidemic, with up to 300,000 patients requiring intensive care units.
These patients could occupy 50-100 percent of all ICU beds in affected regions at the peak of the epidemic and would place "enormous stress" on ICU units.
More needs to be done to speed up the "preparation of flu vaccine for distribution to high-risk individuals," otherwise the vaccine campaign - currently scheduled to begin in mid October - will have potentially missed the peak of the epidemic, according to the report.
The report from the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, PCAST, shows a sober assessment of the dangers of a pandemic, but also serves as a pat on the back for a White House preparing for its first public health crisis.
"Based on the history of influenza pandemics over the past hundred years, PCAST places the current outbreak somewhere between the two extremes that have informed public opinion about influenza," stated the report.
"On the one hand, the 2009-H1N1 virus does not thus far seem to show the virulence associated with the devastating pandemic of 1918-19. On the other hand, the 2009-H1N1 virus is a serious threat to our nation and the world," it added.
This is due to the likelihood that more people will be infected because so few people have immunity to the strain.
As a result, PCAST recommends that the Food and Drug Administration "accelerate a decision about the availability of antiviral drugs for intravenous use."
The current expectation is that the vaccine will be available in mid-October.
According to Harold Varmus, PCAST co-chair and President of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, despite the long 'to-do' list, the Obama administration has thus far done a good job of preparing for a national outbreak.
"The Federal Government's response has been truly impressive and we've all been pleased to see the high level of cooperation among the many departments and agencies that are gearing up for the expected fall resurgence of H1N1 flu," he said.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Swin Flu Facts Know it now
HOW DO MASK HELP ?
Who is at risk?
Pregnant women, especially those in the third trimester, are at an increased risk of serious complications from the H1N1 A influenza virus, says a new report.
With the H1N1 flu outbreak now elevated to pandemic level, the article in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal) has reported that oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza) are relatively safe drugs for use in pregnant and breast-feeding women.
For treatment or prevention during the current pandemic, "oseltamivir appears to be the drug of choice because there are more data on its safety in pregnancy," writes Dr Shinya Ito, Head of the Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology at SickKids.
Zanamivir can be used, although there is less data available about its safety in pregnant women, the expert added.
Neither drug appears to affect the growth and development of the foetus, although ongoing data collection is important. The groups at high risk of flu-related complications from the novel H1N1 influenza are the same as those for seasonal flu – pregnant women, children under 5 years, the elderly and others such as those with chronic lung conditions.
Only small amounts of oseltamivir and zanamivir are excreted into human milk. If an infant is breastfed by the mother on these drugs and needs treatment, the recommended dose of oseltamivir or zanamivir should be given to the infant.
Is there a vaccine? A new research has suggested that targeting children for vaccination could help control the spread of pandemics such as the current swine flu.
The study suggests that targeting kids is the best way of using limited supplies of the vaccine currently being developed.
Ever since the World Health Organization declared a pandemic global H1N1 swine flu, countries are looking at ways to control the spread of the disease.
These measures include the use of antiviral treatments, such as oseltamivir, social distancing (for example, closing schools and stopping public transport) and quarantining infected individuals.
Pharmaceutical companies have also stepped up production of vaccines effective against this particular strain of the virus.
However, if the spread of the disease increases significantly in the autumn, as some scientists predict, it is unlikely that supplies of the new vaccine will be sufficient to vaccinate entire populations.
Dr Thomas House and Professor Matt Keeling from the University of Warwick have used computer modelling to predict the spread of pandemic influenza and to look at ways of controlling it effectively, particularly where supplies of vaccine are not sufficient for universal coverage.
The researchers showed that the disease is likely to spread fastest in densely populated conurbations, suggesting that these should be priority areas for tackling the spread.
However, they showed that vaccinating entire households at random was an inefficient use of resources; instead, vaccinating key individuals offered sufficient protection to others in their household.
Although a simplification of the complex reality of pandemic flu transmission, the researchers believe their model provides a robust argument for vaccinating children. Our models suggest that the larger the household - which in most cases means the more children living at home - the more likely the infection is to spread," said Keeling.
"This doesn`t mean that everyone in the household needs to be vaccinated, but suggests that vaccination programmes for children might help control a potential pandemic," Keeling added.
The researchers argue that targeting children for vaccination would not only help protect those at greatest risk of exposure to the virus, but would also offer protection to unvaccinated adults.
This so-called "herd immunity" effect would mean that significantly less vaccine would be necessary to help control the spread of the virus than if it were offered to everyone.\\
Swiss pharmaceuticals company Novartis AG has said that it has successfully produced a first batch of swine flu vaccine weeks ahead of expectations.
The vaccine was made in cells, rather than grown in eggs as is usually the case with vaccines, the company said.
The announcement comes a day after the World Health Organization declared swine flu, also known as A(H1N1), a pandemic. The move indicates that a global outbreak is under way. WHO says drugmakers will likely have vaccines approved and ready for sale after September.
Novartis said it would use the first batch of vaccine for pre-clinical evaluation and testing. It is also being considered for clinical trials, the company said.
The vaccine was produced at a Novartis plant in Marburg, Germany. Novartis said the facility could potentially produce millions of doses of vaccine a week.
A second plant is being built in Holly Springs, North Carolina, the company said.
Novartis said more than 30 governments have requested vaccine supplies, including the US Department of Health and Human Service, which placed a USD 289 million order in May.
Save yourself: Fight the spread
The World Health Organization issued the following guidelines on Saturday about ways to prevent and fight flu, especially in poor areas where medical facilities may lack staff, beds and drugs:
Social Distancing
-- "Social distancing, respiratory etiquette, hand hygiene, and household ventilation, are at present the most feasible measures available to reduce or delay disease (morbidity) caused by pandemic influenza."
-- This includes keeping at least an arm`s length distance from other people, minimizing public gatherings, and covering coughs and sneezes.
-- Once pandemic flu becomes widespread in a community, however, the WHO said that "interventions to isolate patients and quarantine contacts would probably be ineffective, not a good use of limited health resources, and socially disruptive."
"Routine mask use in public places should be permitted but is not expected to have an impact on disease prevention."
Mild Cases Treated At Home
-- "During a pandemic, very high numbers of patients presenting to the health-care facility will necessitate home treatment," the WHO said.
-- "In the case of mild illness, patients should be provided with supportive care at home by a designated caregiver and only referred to health care facilities if they deteriorate or develop danger signs."
-- Such danger signs may include: weakness or inability to stand, lethargy, unconsciousness, convulsions, very difficult or obstructed breathing or shortness of breath, inability to drink fluids, high fever.
-- Treatment at home should entail rest, fluids, medication for fever, and good nutrition, with patients kept separate from other people except one designated carer who should wash their hands and household surfaces frequently.
-- It is more important in the home that the patient wears a mask than the caregiver. The mask need not be worn all day and only when close contact with the caregiver is anticipated.
-- If enough masks are available, caregivers should also use them to cover their mouth and nose during close contact.
-- Windows should be kept open to allow good ventilation.
In Health Clinics
-- Medical facilities with limited resources and beds should aggressively triage patients and ensure those with respiratory symptoms are kept separately from other patients.
-- Essential medical services should be continued, while elective medical services should be temporarily suspended.
-- Admission criteria may change depending on bed availability, but should be reserved for severe cases most likely to benefit from treatment.
-- "Health facilities should anticipate a very high demand for treatment," the WHO said. "Based on current estimates, agencies should anticipate that up to 10 percent of those who fall ill may require inpatient treatment."
-- The WHO recommends this order of priority for antiviral drugs: a) treatment of sick health-care and other essential staff, b) treatment of sick individuals from the community, c) post-exposure treatment for essential staff at high risk, d) pre-exposure prophylaxis for critical staff with anticipated high-risk exposure.
Interesting Details
The World Health Organization has confirmed at least some of the cases are a never-before-seen strain of influenza A virus, carrying the designation H1N1.
* Although it`s called swine flu, this new strain is not infecting pigs and has never been seen in pigs. The threat is person to person transmission.
* It is genetically different from the fully human H1N1 seasonal influenza virus that has been circulating globally for the past few years. The new flu virus contains DNA typical to avian, swine and human viruses, including elements from European and Asian swine viruses.
* The World Health Organization is concerned but says it is too soon to change the threat level warning for a pandemic-- a global epidemic of a new and dangerous flu.
* When a new strain of flu starts infecting people, and when it acquires the ability to pass from person to person, it can spark a pandemic. The last pandemic was in 1968 and killed about a million people.
* Seven people in the United States have been diagnosed with the new strain. All have recovered, but the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention expects more cases.
* Flu viruses mutate constantly, which is why the flu vaccine is changed every year, and they can swap DNA in a process called reassortment. Most animals can get flu, but viruses rarely pass from one species to another.
* From December 2005 through February 2009, 12 cases of human infection with swine influenza were confirmed. All but one person had contact with pigs. There was no evidence of human-to-human transmission in those cases.
* Symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to those of seasonal influenza -- sudden onset of fever, coughing, muscle aches and extreme tiredness. Swine flu appears to cause more diarrhea and vomiting than normal flu.
* Seasonal flu kills between 250,000 and 500,000 people globally in an average year.
In 1976 a new strain of swine flu started infecting people and worried U.S. health officials started widespread vaccination. More than 40 million people were vaccinated. But several cases of Guillain-Barre syndrome, a severe and sometime fatal condition that can be linked to some vaccines, caused the U.S. government to stop the program. The incident led to widespread distrust of vaccines in general.
Impact on drug Industry
For hard-pressed drug makers, more used to attacks than applause, the H1N1 flu crisis is a chance to earn political capital by delivering billions of doses of vaccine across the planet.
Recent investment has put companies in far better shape to meet the challenge compared to five years ago, when a single factory closure in northwest England left the world worryingly short of seasonal flu shots.
This time around big flu vaccine makers like Sanofi-Aventis, GlaxoSmithKline and Novartis look set to book extra sales, although constraints on both capacity and pricing will cap the financial upside.
Until now, the main investor focus has been on stockpiling of antiviral drugs to fight the new strain of H1N1 flu, with Roche and Glaxo -- makers of Tamiflu and Relenza respectively -- the two obvious winners.
But that could be about to change as World Health Organization experts meet on May 14 to consider a switch from seasonal to pandemic vaccine production, with companies under intense pressure to show they are good citizens.
Making a vaccine for the new strain, widely known as swine flu, will mean stopping most production of seasonal shots. But because some companies are now well advanced in making next season`s regular vaccine, there is some room to meet both needs.
Companies are not divulging their production schedules but officials at two manufacturers said they were hopeful they would be finished with much of the production needed for the next northern hemisphere flu season by the time of any switch.
Although the H1N1 flu strain seems mild at present, health officials are worried it might return in a more virulent form in the northern hemisphere winter.
Dealing with such an uncertain threat involves a careful balance by health authorities and companies, since making a new vaccine will take four to six months.
The WHO estimates manufacturers have the capacity to make up to 900 million shots annually against seasonal flu, which kills between 250,000 and 500,000 people a year.
Kieny estimates that translates into pandemic capacity of at least 1-2 billion doses, because a simple pandemic vaccine contains only one ingredient, while the seasonal one has three.
Even so, there will not be enough vaccine for the world`s population of more than 6.5 billion.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Real SWIN FLU Guide for India in Emergency get it handy
Hi all watchers from Swin Flu infected area in India if required please let us know . How we can help you more .
What are the symptoms?
Swine flu symptoms are similar to the symptoms of regular flu and include fever of over 100.4°F, fatigue, lack of appetite, and cold. Some people with swine flu have also reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Nearly everyone with flu has at least two of these symptoms.
So, how do you know if you have flu or just cold?
There is one clue: when you have the flu, you feel flu symptoms sooner than you would cold symptoms, and they come on with much greater intensity. With the flu, you may feel very weak and fatigued for up to 2 or 3 weeks. You'll have muscle aches and periods of chills and sweats as fever comes and goes. You may also have a stuffy or runny nose, headache, and sore throat.
Can I compare flu symptoms with cold symptoms?
Yes. The following chart can help you compare flu symptoms with cold symptoms. Use it to lean the differences and similarities between flu and cold symptoms. Then, if you get flu symptoms, call your doctor and ask about an antiviral drug.
Symptoms : a)Fever,b) Headache ,c)General Aches ,Pains, d)Fatigue,Weakness, e) Extreme Exhaustion, f) Stuffy Nose , g) Chest discomfort ,Cough
Cold : a) Rare, b) Rare, c) Slight , d) Quite mild, e) Never, f) Common ,g) Mild to moderate ,hacking cough
Flu : a) Characteristic, high 100-102 degrees F); lasts 3-4 days, b) Prominent, c) Usual; often severe,d) Can last up to 2-3 weeks, e) Early and prominent, f) Sometimes, g) Common; can become severe
You cannot confirm if you have swine flu just based on your symptoms. Like seasonal flu, pandemic swine flu can cause neurologic symptoms in children. These events are rare, but, as cases associated with seasonal flu have shown, they can be very severe and often fatal.
Doctors may offer a rapid flu test, but what you need to understand is a negative result doesn't necessarily mean you don't have the flu. Only lab tests can definitively show whether you've got swine flu. State health departments can do these tests.
What should you do immediately?
Those of you who have travelled from the affected countries in the past ten days and show symptoms swine flu like fever, cough, sore throat and difficulty in breathing should immediately contact the telephone number given below or visit the nearby Government Hospital.
Important contact numbers:
Outbreak Monitoring Cell (Control Room, NICD): 011-23921401
Websites: www.mohfw.nic.in and www.nicd.nic.in
You can also contact a toll free number 2392 1401 at the National Institute of Communicable Disease
Contact number for each cities:
Bangalore
BIAL Swine Flu Center - 91-80-22001490
SDS TUBERCULOSIS & RAJIV GANDHI INSTITUTE OF CHEST DISEASES(Govt. of Karnataka), Hosur Road, Bangalore - 560029
Helpline No: 91-80-26631923
Chennai
Communicable Disease Hospital, 87, T.H. Road, Tondiarpet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Hyderabad
Govt. General and Chest Diseases Hospital, Erragadda , Hyderabad
Hospital Helpline Number - 040-23814939
Kolkata
Beliaghata Infectious Diseases Hospital, 57, Beliaghata Main Road, Kolkata
Mumbai
Kasturba Hospital, Arthur Road, Sane Guruji Marg, Mumbai 400011
Ph: 022- 23083901 / 23092458 / 23000889
New Delhi
Yellow Fever Quarantine Centre, Near AAI Residential Colony, New Delhi
Ph: 91-11-25652129
Influenza Ward, Ward no 5, Second Floor, New Building, RML Hospital, Delhi-1
RML- 91-11-24525211,23404328,23365525- Ext 4328
What is the treatment?
Antiviral drugs can be used to treat swine flu or to prevent infection with swine flu viruses. The anti-viral medicines oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza) are being used to treat people with swine flu. Antiviral drugs work by preventing the flu virus from reproducing. To be effective you need to take them within 48 hours of the symptoms beginning. These flu drugs can decrease the duration of the flu by 1 to 2 days if used within this early time period. These antivirals are usually given for a period of about 5-7 days. It's unclear whether these drugs can prevent complications of the flu. Tamiflu is approved for prevention and treatment in people 1 year old and older. Relenza is approved for treatment of people 7 years old and older and for prevention in people 5 years old and older. These medications must be prescribed by a health care professional.
Side effects: Side effects of antiviral drugs may include nervousness, poor concentration, nausea, and vomiting. Relenza is not recommended for people with a history of breathing problems, such as asthma, because it may cause a worsening of breathing problems. Discuss side effects with your doctor.
Self medication: Antibiotics are a no-no. Chances are that antibiotics will not help your flu symptoms. That's because flu, colds, and most sore throats and bronchitis are caused by viruses. In addition, taking antibiotics when you have a virus may do more harm than good. Taking antibiotics when they are not needed increases your risk of getting an infection later that resists antibiotic treatment. Antibiotics only cure certain infections due to bacteria -- and if taken carelessly, you may get more serious health problems than you bargained for.
Is there a vaccine to treat swine flu virus? No, there isn’t a vaccine yet. But vaccines are being made in large quantities. Clinical tests will begin in August 2009. Depending on how long federal officials wait for the results of these tests, tens of millions of doses of swine flu vaccine could be ready as soon as September 2009, with more vaccine becoming available each month thereafter. The first doses of vaccine likely will go to pregnant women and young children ages 6 months to 4 years, with older school kids to follow.
Who is at risk?
Those who are more at risk from becoming seriously ill with swine flu are people with:
chronic (long-term) lung disease, including people who have had drug treatment for their asthma within the past three years,
chronic heart disease,
chronic kidney disease,
chronic liver disease,
chronic neurological disease (neurological disorders include motor neurone disease, Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis),
suppressed immune systems (whether caused by disease or treatment),
diabetes,
pregnant women,
people aged 65 or older, and
young children under five.
How does it spread?
The new swine flu virus is highly contagious, that is it spreads from person to person. The virus is spread through the droplets that come out of the nose or mouth when someone coughs or sneezes. If someone coughs or sneezes and they do not cover it, those droplets can spread about one metre (3ft). If you are very nearby you might breathe them in.
Or, if someone coughs or sneezes into their hand, those droplets and the virus within them are easily transferred to surfaces that the person touches, such as door handles, hand rails, telephones and keyboards. If you touch these surfaces and touch your face, the virus can enter your system, and you can become infected.
Can it be prevented?
Influenza antiviral drugs also can be used to prevent influenza when they are given to a person who is not ill, but who has been or may be near a person with swine influenza. When used to prevent the flu, antiviral drugs are about 70% to 90% effective. When used for prevention, the number of days that they should be used will vary depending on a person’s particular situation.
Follow this general procedure to reduce the risk of catching or spreading the virus, you should:
Cover your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, using a tissue
Throw the tissue away quickly and carefully
Wash your hands regularly with soap and water
Clean hard surfaces (like door handles and remote controls) frequently with a normal cleaning product
Keep away from others as much as possible. This is to keep from making others sick. Do not go to work or school while ill
Stay home for at least 24 hours after fever is gone, except to seek medical care or for other necessities. (Fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)
Drink clear fluids (such as water, broth, sports drinks, electrolyte beverages for infants) to keep from being dehydrated
Wear a facemask – if available and tolerable – when sharing common spaces with other household members to help prevent spreading the virus to others.
Will it help to wear a mask?
Information on the effectiveness of facemasks and respirators for decreasing the risk of influenza infection in community settings is extremely limited. So, it is difficult to assess their potential effectiveness in decreasing the risk of Swine Flu virus transmission in these settings. However, a well-fitted, FDA-approved mask together with other preventive measures MAY reduce the risk of contracting the flu. Those who are sick or caring for someone who is ill should consider using a mask or respirator if leaving the house becomes necessary.
What precautions should one take at home?
Two things - soap and water can reduce the chance of infection by 30 per cent. All you need to do is keep washing your hand with soap and water frequently. Wash hands frequently with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand cleaner when soap and water are not available. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
Eat healthy: Proteins are essential to help your body maintain and build strength. Lean meat, poultry, fish, legumes, dairy, eggs, and nuts and seeds are good sources of protein.
The Food and Drug Administration recommends that adults eat 50 grams of protein per day. Pregnant and nursing women need more. By eating foods high in protein, we also get the benefit of other healing nutrients such as vitamins B6 and B12, both of which contribute to a healthy immune system.
Vitamin B6 is widely available in foods, including protein foods such as turkey and beans as well as potatoes, spinach, and enriched cereal grains. Proteins such as meats, milk, and fish also contain vitamin B12, a powerful immune booster.
Minerals such as selenium and zinc work to keep the immune system strong. These minerals are found in protein rich foods such as beans, nuts, meat, and poultry.
Exercise: Regular exercise may help prevent the flu. According to recent findings, when moderate exercise is repeated on a near daily basis, there is a cumulative immune-enhancing effect. That is, your strong immune system can fight flu better. When you exercise, your white blood cells -- the blood cells that fight infections in the body -- travel through your body more quickly, fighting bacteria and viruses (such as flu) more efficiently. To maintain good health, experts recommend at least 30 minutes of aerobic activity such as walking, swimming, biking, or running each day.
What precautions should one take at schools?
Avoid close contact with people who are sick
People who are sick with an influenza-like illness should stay home and keep away from others as much as possible, including avoiding travel, for at least 24 hours after fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Fever should be gone without the use of fever-reducing medicine). Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing
Wash your hands often
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
Is it safe to travel?
Avoid travelling unnecessarily. However, if you must travel, check how the country you're going to handles swine flu. Although, the WHO doesn't recommend travel restrictions, many countries have set up their own H1N1 policies, and some travellers have been screened or quarantined in other countries because of swine flu concerns.
What are the symptoms?
Swine flu symptoms are similar to the symptoms of regular flu and include fever of over 100.4°F, fatigue, lack of appetite, and cold. Some people with swine flu have also reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Nearly everyone with flu has at least two of these symptoms.
So, how do you know if you have flu or just cold?
There is one clue: when you have the flu, you feel flu symptoms sooner than you would cold symptoms, and they come on with much greater intensity. With the flu, you may feel very weak and fatigued for up to 2 or 3 weeks. You'll have muscle aches and periods of chills and sweats as fever comes and goes. You may also have a stuffy or runny nose, headache, and sore throat.
Can I compare flu symptoms with cold symptoms?
Yes. The following chart can help you compare flu symptoms with cold symptoms. Use it to lean the differences and similarities between flu and cold symptoms. Then, if you get flu symptoms, call your doctor and ask about an antiviral drug.
Symptoms : a)Fever,b) Headache ,c)General Aches ,Pains, d)Fatigue,Weakness, e) Extreme Exhaustion, f) Stuffy Nose , g) Chest discomfort ,Cough
Cold : a) Rare, b) Rare, c) Slight , d) Quite mild, e) Never, f) Common ,g) Mild to moderate ,hacking cough
Flu : a) Characteristic, high 100-102 degrees F); lasts 3-4 days, b) Prominent, c) Usual; often severe,d) Can last up to 2-3 weeks, e) Early and prominent, f) Sometimes, g) Common; can become severe
You cannot confirm if you have swine flu just based on your symptoms. Like seasonal flu, pandemic swine flu can cause neurologic symptoms in children. These events are rare, but, as cases associated with seasonal flu have shown, they can be very severe and often fatal.
Doctors may offer a rapid flu test, but what you need to understand is a negative result doesn't necessarily mean you don't have the flu. Only lab tests can definitively show whether you've got swine flu. State health departments can do these tests.
What should you do immediately?
Those of you who have travelled from the affected countries in the past ten days and show symptoms swine flu like fever, cough, sore throat and difficulty in breathing should immediately contact the telephone number given below or visit the nearby Government Hospital.
Important contact numbers:
Outbreak Monitoring Cell (Control Room, NICD): 011-23921401
Websites: www.mohfw.nic.in and www.nicd.nic.in
You can also contact a toll free number 2392 1401 at the National Institute of Communicable Disease
Contact number for each cities:
Bangalore
BIAL Swine Flu Center - 91-80-22001490
SDS TUBERCULOSIS & RAJIV GANDHI INSTITUTE OF CHEST DISEASES(Govt. of Karnataka), Hosur Road, Bangalore - 560029
Helpline No: 91-80-26631923
Chennai
Communicable Disease Hospital, 87, T.H. Road, Tondiarpet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Hyderabad
Govt. General and Chest Diseases Hospital, Erragadda , Hyderabad
Hospital Helpline Number - 040-23814939
Kolkata
Beliaghata Infectious Diseases Hospital, 57, Beliaghata Main Road, Kolkata
Mumbai
Kasturba Hospital, Arthur Road, Sane Guruji Marg, Mumbai 400011
Ph: 022- 23083901 / 23092458 / 23000889
New Delhi
Yellow Fever Quarantine Centre, Near AAI Residential Colony, New Delhi
Ph: 91-11-25652129
Influenza Ward, Ward no 5, Second Floor, New Building, RML Hospital, Delhi-1
RML- 91-11-24525211,23404328,23365525- Ext 4328
What is the treatment?
Antiviral drugs can be used to treat swine flu or to prevent infection with swine flu viruses. The anti-viral medicines oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza) are being used to treat people with swine flu. Antiviral drugs work by preventing the flu virus from reproducing. To be effective you need to take them within 48 hours of the symptoms beginning. These flu drugs can decrease the duration of the flu by 1 to 2 days if used within this early time period. These antivirals are usually given for a period of about 5-7 days. It's unclear whether these drugs can prevent complications of the flu. Tamiflu is approved for prevention and treatment in people 1 year old and older. Relenza is approved for treatment of people 7 years old and older and for prevention in people 5 years old and older. These medications must be prescribed by a health care professional.
Side effects: Side effects of antiviral drugs may include nervousness, poor concentration, nausea, and vomiting. Relenza is not recommended for people with a history of breathing problems, such as asthma, because it may cause a worsening of breathing problems. Discuss side effects with your doctor.
Self medication: Antibiotics are a no-no. Chances are that antibiotics will not help your flu symptoms. That's because flu, colds, and most sore throats and bronchitis are caused by viruses. In addition, taking antibiotics when you have a virus may do more harm than good. Taking antibiotics when they are not needed increases your risk of getting an infection later that resists antibiotic treatment. Antibiotics only cure certain infections due to bacteria -- and if taken carelessly, you may get more serious health problems than you bargained for.
Is there a vaccine to treat swine flu virus? No, there isn’t a vaccine yet. But vaccines are being made in large quantities. Clinical tests will begin in August 2009. Depending on how long federal officials wait for the results of these tests, tens of millions of doses of swine flu vaccine could be ready as soon as September 2009, with more vaccine becoming available each month thereafter. The first doses of vaccine likely will go to pregnant women and young children ages 6 months to 4 years, with older school kids to follow.
Who is at risk?
Those who are more at risk from becoming seriously ill with swine flu are people with:
chronic (long-term) lung disease, including people who have had drug treatment for their asthma within the past three years,
chronic heart disease,
chronic kidney disease,
chronic liver disease,
chronic neurological disease (neurological disorders include motor neurone disease, Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis),
suppressed immune systems (whether caused by disease or treatment),
diabetes,
pregnant women,
people aged 65 or older, and
young children under five.
How does it spread?
The new swine flu virus is highly contagious, that is it spreads from person to person. The virus is spread through the droplets that come out of the nose or mouth when someone coughs or sneezes. If someone coughs or sneezes and they do not cover it, those droplets can spread about one metre (3ft). If you are very nearby you might breathe them in.
Or, if someone coughs or sneezes into their hand, those droplets and the virus within them are easily transferred to surfaces that the person touches, such as door handles, hand rails, telephones and keyboards. If you touch these surfaces and touch your face, the virus can enter your system, and you can become infected.
Can it be prevented?
Influenza antiviral drugs also can be used to prevent influenza when they are given to a person who is not ill, but who has been or may be near a person with swine influenza. When used to prevent the flu, antiviral drugs are about 70% to 90% effective. When used for prevention, the number of days that they should be used will vary depending on a person’s particular situation.
Follow this general procedure to reduce the risk of catching or spreading the virus, you should:
Cover your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, using a tissue
Throw the tissue away quickly and carefully
Wash your hands regularly with soap and water
Clean hard surfaces (like door handles and remote controls) frequently with a normal cleaning product
Keep away from others as much as possible. This is to keep from making others sick. Do not go to work or school while ill
Stay home for at least 24 hours after fever is gone, except to seek medical care or for other necessities. (Fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)
Drink clear fluids (such as water, broth, sports drinks, electrolyte beverages for infants) to keep from being dehydrated
Wear a facemask – if available and tolerable – when sharing common spaces with other household members to help prevent spreading the virus to others.
Will it help to wear a mask?
Information on the effectiveness of facemasks and respirators for decreasing the risk of influenza infection in community settings is extremely limited. So, it is difficult to assess their potential effectiveness in decreasing the risk of Swine Flu virus transmission in these settings. However, a well-fitted, FDA-approved mask together with other preventive measures MAY reduce the risk of contracting the flu. Those who are sick or caring for someone who is ill should consider using a mask or respirator if leaving the house becomes necessary.
What precautions should one take at home?
Two things - soap and water can reduce the chance of infection by 30 per cent. All you need to do is keep washing your hand with soap and water frequently. Wash hands frequently with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand cleaner when soap and water are not available. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
Eat healthy: Proteins are essential to help your body maintain and build strength. Lean meat, poultry, fish, legumes, dairy, eggs, and nuts and seeds are good sources of protein.
The Food and Drug Administration recommends that adults eat 50 grams of protein per day. Pregnant and nursing women need more. By eating foods high in protein, we also get the benefit of other healing nutrients such as vitamins B6 and B12, both of which contribute to a healthy immune system.
Vitamin B6 is widely available in foods, including protein foods such as turkey and beans as well as potatoes, spinach, and enriched cereal grains. Proteins such as meats, milk, and fish also contain vitamin B12, a powerful immune booster.
Minerals such as selenium and zinc work to keep the immune system strong. These minerals are found in protein rich foods such as beans, nuts, meat, and poultry.
Exercise: Regular exercise may help prevent the flu. According to recent findings, when moderate exercise is repeated on a near daily basis, there is a cumulative immune-enhancing effect. That is, your strong immune system can fight flu better. When you exercise, your white blood cells -- the blood cells that fight infections in the body -- travel through your body more quickly, fighting bacteria and viruses (such as flu) more efficiently. To maintain good health, experts recommend at least 30 minutes of aerobic activity such as walking, swimming, biking, or running each day.
What precautions should one take at schools?
Avoid close contact with people who are sick
People who are sick with an influenza-like illness should stay home and keep away from others as much as possible, including avoiding travel, for at least 24 hours after fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Fever should be gone without the use of fever-reducing medicine). Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing
Wash your hands often
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
Is it safe to travel?
Avoid travelling unnecessarily. However, if you must travel, check how the country you're going to handles swine flu. Although, the WHO doesn't recommend travel restrictions, many countries have set up their own H1N1 policies, and some travellers have been screened or quarantined in other countries because of swine flu concerns.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Q&A: Advice about swine flu fro BBC
Swine flu has spread across the world since emerging in Mexico and is now officially the first flu pandemic for 40 years. Experts fear millions of people will be infected.
What is swine flu and what are the symptoms?
Symptoms:
1. High temperature, tiredness and lowered immunity
2. Headache, runny nose and sneezing
3. Sore throat
4. Shortness of breath
5. Loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhoea
6. Aching muscles, limb and joint pain
Swine flu is a respiratory disease, caused by a strain of the influenza type A virus known as H1N1.
H1N1 is the same strain which causes seasonal outbreaks of flu in humans on a regular basis.
But this latest version of H1N1 is different: it contains genetic material that is typically found in strains of the virus that affect humans, birds and swine.
Although the strain may have originated in pigs, it is now a wholly human disease.
It can be spread from person to person by coughing and sneezing.
Symptoms of swine flu in humans appear to be similar to those produced by standard, seasonal flu.
A fever - which is a temperature of 38ºC (100.4ºF) - is the key symptom, combined with other complaints which may include a cough, sore throat, body aches, chills and aching limbs. Some people with the virus have also reported nausea and diarrhoea.
As with normal flu, the severity of symptoms will depend on treatment and the individual. Many people have only suffered mildly and have begun to recover within a week.
People are most infectious soon after they develop symptoms, but they cease to be a risk once those symptoms have disappeared. The incubation period may be as little as two days.
Apparently healthy people are dying from the virus. Does that means it is getting worse?
Experts say this does not change anything, and that if anything it is surprising that it has taken this long in the UK for someone without underlying health problems to die.
Apparently healthy people can die of any flu-related virus if it causes complications such as pneumonia so these latest deaths do not give any extra cause for concern.
Indeed, so far, many people who have developed symptoms of infection have not needed drugs to make a full recovery, according to the WHO.
Flu expert Professor Peter Openshaw, of Imperial College London, says about one in every three people who become infected will not realise they have had swine flu because they will have had no or only very few symptoms.
"About 98% of people who get infected will recover fully without any hospital treatment so I think the public needs to be reassured."
The real fear is that the strain will mutate and become more virulent which would pose a greater threat. This has been the feature of previous flu pandemics.
But this has not yet happened - and in any event it is worth remembering that seasonal flu often poses a serious threat to public health - each year it kills 250,000 - 500,000 around the world.
What should I do if I think I have it?
Anyone with flu-like symptoms who suspects they might have the swine flu virus are being advised to stay at home and use the "swine flu symptom checker" on the NHS Direct website, or phone NHS Direct - NHS 24 in Scotland.
If swine flu is suspected, your GP should be contacted - and he or she will issue a voucher for anti-flu drugs.
The infected person would then be expected to arrange for a friend or family member to pick up the anti-viral treatment for them from a collection point, most probably a pharmacy.
In the initial phase of the outbreak, lab testing was done to diagnose the flu but this is no longer happening routinely.
How is it treated?
Two drugs commonly used to treat flu, Tamiflu and Relenza, are effective at treating infection.
However, the drugs must be administered at an early stage to be effective.
Use of these drugs may also make it less likely that infected people will pass the virus on to others.
The UK government already has a stockpile of Tamiflu, ordered as a precaution against a pandemic.
However, there is concern that if too many people start taking anti-virals as a precaution, it could raise the risk of the virus developing resistance, reducing the drugs' effectiveness. There is however no evidence at present that this is happening.
In any event there is little point taking these drugs as a precaution as each tablet only provides a day's worth of cover. Given that the virus may be with us for many months - or indeed years - taking a regular pill is ill-advised as the long-term side effects are not known.
What measures then can I take to prevent infection?
As yet there is no vaccine, but manufacturers are trying to develop one. Good progress is being made and the first doses may be available in the UK by August. However the NHS says it may be next year before everyone can be immunised.
Older people and those under 16 - as well as health workers and those with existing clinical conditions - will be given priority.
It is hoped that even if the virus mutates in coming months, the vaccine would still confer a high degree of protection against related strains.
In the meantime, avoid close contact with people who appear unwell and who have fever and cough.
General infection control practices and good hygiene can help to reduce transmission of all viruses, including the human swine influenza.
This includes covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue when possible and disposing of it promptly.
It is also important to wash your hands frequently with soap and water to reduce the spread of the virus from your hands to face or to other people, and cleaning hard surfaces like door handles frequently using a normal cleaning product.
In Mexico masks have been handed out to the general public, but experts are sceptical about how useful this is.
Some suggest it may even be counterproductive.
What is the advice for pregnant women?
The Department of Health has clarified its advice on how expectant mothers should protect themselves following a series of apparently mixed messages.
Concerns were heightened after a woman with swine flu died last week shortly after giving birth prematurely.
Pregnant women are among the groups at increased risk from swine flu. It is important that they follow the advice about hand hygiene.
They may also want to avoid very crowded places and unnecessary travel, but experts stressed people should use their own judgement and should carry on with their daily lives.
Where can I get further advice?
Further information and advice on swine flu can be found at websites of leading health and research organisations around the world. The World Health Organisation gives background information on the virus.
The UK's government services website is carrying regularly updated health and travel information. The Health Protection Agency advises the public about what to do if returning from an affected area. NHS Choices outlines how swine flu is different from other flu.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control is another good source of information.
The US government's Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is counting the number of cases in the US.
You can also track spread of swine flu reports using unofficial sources. Google is mapping search term data as an indicator of flu activity both across the US down to state level and in Mexico. Healthmaps maps viruses using news reports. Social media guide Mashable lists a range of ways to track the virus .
Information and links to useful websites are being shared on Twitter, the micro-blogging service, while social networking website Facebook is tracking swine flu discussion amongst users.
For more information read this article
Swine flu may keep some schools shut in September
Some schools in England could remain closed in September if the swine flu pandemic escalates over the summer, the government has admitted.
The Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) said that, while it was expected schools and nurseries would open as usual at the start of the academic year, it could not be "certain what the situation will be" in the autumn.
Decisions on closures would be taken shortly before the start of the autumn term, a message to schools across the country from the department said.
The DCSF guidance, issued as many schools broke up for the summer today, said it was monitoring the spread of the H1N1 virus on a day-by-day basis. A message will be sent to schools in the last week of August telling them what to do at the start of term, it added.
The DCSF said: "As the summer term is drawing to an end, it is important to ensure that everyone will be in a position to know what will happen at the start of the autumn term.
"We expect that schools and early-years and childcare settings will reopen as usual but at this time we cannot be certain what the situation will be then; we will need to monitor developments over the summer, and take decisions based on the best advice available shortly before the start of term."
About 1,000 schools have already recorded cases of swine flu, although most have remained open, according to the DCSF.
The message to schools follows a warning from the government's chief medical officer, Sir Liam Donaldson, that up to 65,000 people could die from swine flu in the UK in a worst-case scenario.
A planning document published by the Department of Health yesterday suggested that if the current growth in cases was sustained, the number of cases could peak in early September, with up to 30% of the population suffering illness.
There are also suggestions the spread of the virus could begin to slow over July and August before a resurgence in the autumn when schools reopen.
Margaret Morrissey, of the lobby group Parents Outloud, said ministers should have closed schools across the country early for the summer.
"I do think the government has had a major event of mismanagement here. They should have shut down schools and public places, not for ever, but to stop the virus spreading," she said.
In swine flu hotspots, schools should remain closed until children had been vaccinated, Morrissey suggested. "We might have to, in some schools, keep them closed until the vaccine is in place," she said.
The campaigner also called for the government to hand money to employers so that their staff can stay at home with their children if they are affected by swine flu.
"We helped the banks out, how about helping parents?" she said.
"There could be a decision that schools have got to say to parents, 'If your finances can be supported, do you agree with having the school closed until the children are vaccinated?'"
But she added that if it was possible to open schools in September then that should happen.
At the start of the outbreak, affected schools were closed, but the Health Protection Agency is no longer recommending that approach because swine flu is now widespread within communities.
HPA guidance says: "People are likely to be repeatedly exposed to the virus in their everyday lives. Closing a school will no longer be effective in slowing the spread of the virus as people could still be exposed outside the school.
"In some special circumstances – for example, a school with children who are particularly vulnerable to infection – then school closures might still be recommended."
Parents expressed concern yesterday about the now rapid spread of the virus, and some admitted they were scared and unsure how to respond to the situation.
Gloria Newell, 49, a housing officer, who was picking up her nine-year-old daughter, Natasha, from St Mary's Church of England school in Islington, north London, said: "I am just astonished. The figures are quite shocking. There seems to be nothing really in place to cope with this. We have heard about a national vaccination scheme but we do not know when it might be in place."
In north London, another mother, Amal Khaireddine, 30, was concerned about her sons Joseph, five, Shamus, six, and Ryan, eight, all pupils at Hugh Myddelton school in Islington, where there had been several cases of swine flu. "They had sore throats and temperatures and I did what you should do and called the GP. They said … not to worry. But I think they should have been tested, some swabs should have been taken … all you are told is check the NHS website, but that is not 100% safe."
In nearby Culpepper Gardens, Richard O'Connell, 63, said he had taken his two-year-old grandson, Alfie, to the doctor because of a high temperature and had been told not to worry. "But you do worry because you don't know what to do … it's all very well telling people to look at the NHS website but what of those of us who do not have a computer?"
Anne Alexander, 62, a retired playschool worker from Highbury, north London, believed the publicity was causing "mass panic". Collecting her nine-year-old granddaughter, Niamh Stepto, from school, she said: "The reality is that it may only be as serious as normal seasonal flu."
Paola Domizio, a pathologist and mother of year-old twins Aron and Susha, said : "I'm undecided whether to panic or not. Certainly it is alarming that so many young children may be susceptible. But what can you do? Even if you keep them in all day there are no guarantees. If a vaccine is developed I suppose children will be vaccinated, but until then all you can do is follow the guidelines. So I can't say that I'm particularly panicking, although the figures do sound alarming."
The Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) said that, while it was expected schools and nurseries would open as usual at the start of the academic year, it could not be "certain what the situation will be" in the autumn.
Decisions on closures would be taken shortly before the start of the autumn term, a message to schools across the country from the department said.
The DCSF guidance, issued as many schools broke up for the summer today, said it was monitoring the spread of the H1N1 virus on a day-by-day basis. A message will be sent to schools in the last week of August telling them what to do at the start of term, it added.
The DCSF said: "As the summer term is drawing to an end, it is important to ensure that everyone will be in a position to know what will happen at the start of the autumn term.
"We expect that schools and early-years and childcare settings will reopen as usual but at this time we cannot be certain what the situation will be then; we will need to monitor developments over the summer, and take decisions based on the best advice available shortly before the start of term."
About 1,000 schools have already recorded cases of swine flu, although most have remained open, according to the DCSF.
The message to schools follows a warning from the government's chief medical officer, Sir Liam Donaldson, that up to 65,000 people could die from swine flu in the UK in a worst-case scenario.
A planning document published by the Department of Health yesterday suggested that if the current growth in cases was sustained, the number of cases could peak in early September, with up to 30% of the population suffering illness.
There are also suggestions the spread of the virus could begin to slow over July and August before a resurgence in the autumn when schools reopen.
Margaret Morrissey, of the lobby group Parents Outloud, said ministers should have closed schools across the country early for the summer.
"I do think the government has had a major event of mismanagement here. They should have shut down schools and public places, not for ever, but to stop the virus spreading," she said.
In swine flu hotspots, schools should remain closed until children had been vaccinated, Morrissey suggested. "We might have to, in some schools, keep them closed until the vaccine is in place," she said.
The campaigner also called for the government to hand money to employers so that their staff can stay at home with their children if they are affected by swine flu.
"We helped the banks out, how about helping parents?" she said.
"There could be a decision that schools have got to say to parents, 'If your finances can be supported, do you agree with having the school closed until the children are vaccinated?'"
But she added that if it was possible to open schools in September then that should happen.
At the start of the outbreak, affected schools were closed, but the Health Protection Agency is no longer recommending that approach because swine flu is now widespread within communities.
HPA guidance says: "People are likely to be repeatedly exposed to the virus in their everyday lives. Closing a school will no longer be effective in slowing the spread of the virus as people could still be exposed outside the school.
"In some special circumstances – for example, a school with children who are particularly vulnerable to infection – then school closures might still be recommended."
Parents expressed concern yesterday about the now rapid spread of the virus, and some admitted they were scared and unsure how to respond to the situation.
Gloria Newell, 49, a housing officer, who was picking up her nine-year-old daughter, Natasha, from St Mary's Church of England school in Islington, north London, said: "I am just astonished. The figures are quite shocking. There seems to be nothing really in place to cope with this. We have heard about a national vaccination scheme but we do not know when it might be in place."
In north London, another mother, Amal Khaireddine, 30, was concerned about her sons Joseph, five, Shamus, six, and Ryan, eight, all pupils at Hugh Myddelton school in Islington, where there had been several cases of swine flu. "They had sore throats and temperatures and I did what you should do and called the GP. They said … not to worry. But I think they should have been tested, some swabs should have been taken … all you are told is check the NHS website, but that is not 100% safe."
In nearby Culpepper Gardens, Richard O'Connell, 63, said he had taken his two-year-old grandson, Alfie, to the doctor because of a high temperature and had been told not to worry. "But you do worry because you don't know what to do … it's all very well telling people to look at the NHS website but what of those of us who do not have a computer?"
Anne Alexander, 62, a retired playschool worker from Highbury, north London, believed the publicity was causing "mass panic". Collecting her nine-year-old granddaughter, Niamh Stepto, from school, she said: "The reality is that it may only be as serious as normal seasonal flu."
Paola Domizio, a pathologist and mother of year-old twins Aron and Susha, said : "I'm undecided whether to panic or not. Certainly it is alarming that so many young children may be susceptible. But what can you do? Even if you keep them in all day there are no guarantees. If a vaccine is developed I suppose children will be vaccinated, but until then all you can do is follow the guidelines. So I can't say that I'm particularly panicking, although the figures do sound alarming."
Thursday, July 2, 2009
UK moves from swine flu 'containment' to 'treatment'
The UK has moved from the 'containment' to the 'treatment' phase of swine flu as the number of people catching swine flu continues to rise.
'Containment' to 'treatment'
As Swine Flu spreads and more people start to catch it in their communities, the government has moved from efforts to contain the virus to treating the increasing number of people who have the disease.
The move from containment to treatment will apply in all four nations of the UK- England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
This means that:
GPs will be able to diagnose swine flu on the basis of symptoms rather than waiting for laboratory testing
all tracing of people who have been in contact with a sufferer will stop
people who may have been exposed to the virus will not be given anti-viral drugs
anyone who is diagnosed with swine flu will continue to be offered anti-virals until further notice
Local primary care trusts will also begin to establish anti-viral collection points in their local communities. These could be at a designated pharmacy or a community centre, depending on local need.
Health Secretary Andy Burnham said:"Most cases of swine flu have not been severe and we are in a strong position to deal with this pandemic.
"But we must not become complacent and, while doubt remains about the way the virus attacks different groups, today's decision on the move to the treatment phase reflects our caution."
'Containment' to 'treatment'
As Swine Flu spreads and more people start to catch it in their communities, the government has moved from efforts to contain the virus to treating the increasing number of people who have the disease.
The move from containment to treatment will apply in all four nations of the UK- England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
This means that:
GPs will be able to diagnose swine flu on the basis of symptoms rather than waiting for laboratory testing
all tracing of people who have been in contact with a sufferer will stop
people who may have been exposed to the virus will not be given anti-viral drugs
anyone who is diagnosed with swine flu will continue to be offered anti-virals until further notice
Local primary care trusts will also begin to establish anti-viral collection points in their local communities. These could be at a designated pharmacy or a community centre, depending on local need.
Health Secretary Andy Burnham said:"Most cases of swine flu have not been severe and we are in a strong position to deal with this pandemic.
"But we must not become complacent and, while doubt remains about the way the virus attacks different groups, today's decision on the move to the treatment phase reflects our caution."
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Global swine flu cases
There are now over 70,000 confirmed cases in over 100 countries. The countries with the most cases are:
• United States of America 27,717 (127 deaths)
• Mexico 8,279 (116 deaths)
• Canada 7,775 (21 deaths)
• United Kingdom 6,133 (3 deaths)
• Chile 5,186 (7 deaths)
• Australia 4,038 (7 deaths)
• Argentina 1,488 (21 deaths)
• China 1442
• Japan 1049
• Philippines 861
• United States of America 27,717 (127 deaths)
• Mexico 8,279 (116 deaths)
• Canada 7,775 (21 deaths)
• United Kingdom 6,133 (3 deaths)
• Chile 5,186 (7 deaths)
• Australia 4,038 (7 deaths)
• Argentina 1,488 (21 deaths)
• China 1442
• Japan 1049
• Philippines 861
Exit, first flu victim
The number of inmates in the isolation ward of the Infectious Diseases Hospital, where swine flu suspects and patients are quarantined, has dropped from seven to two since Sunday.
Seven-year-old Shruti Ghosh, the city’s first swine flu victim, was released from the Beleghata hospital on Monday.
Sourav Lahiri, who got himself admitted on Saturday with fever, tested negative for swine flu and was also released during the day.
“Shruti’s course of Tamiflu is over and she is not having fever anymore. Her parents have been asked to keep her quarantined at home for a few more days,” said Tapas Sen, the nodal officer for tackling swine flu in the state.
Shruti’s mother Sonali, who was staying with the girl in the 20-bed ward that has been divided by a curtain to separate male and female patients, had tested negative for swine flu.
The Oman residents had arrived in Calcutta last Tuesday after holidaying in Australia. Shruti was suffering from cough and fever when she landed at the city airport and was taken straight to the hospital.
The Delhi-based National Institute of Communicable Diseases, where nasal and throat swabs were sent for test, informed the hospital on June 25 that the girl was suffering from swine flu.
The only ones left in the Beleghata isolation ward are four-year-old Suchismita Das, who had tested positive for swine flu on Saturday, and her mother.
“Suchismita’s condition is stable. Her fever has subsided but she is still on medication,” said a source in the hospital.
Suchismita and her parents arrived in Calcutta from Bangkok, where they had gone on a holiday, early on Friday.
Prem Chand Yadav and Suchismita’s father Partha were released on Sunday after their swab tests proved negative.
Lahiri, 26, was the only patient who had voluntarily walked into the hospital and wanted to be tested for swine flu. He had been suffering from fever since returning from Bangkok a week ago.
Seven-year-old Shruti Ghosh, the city’s first swine flu victim, was released from the Beleghata hospital on Monday.
Sourav Lahiri, who got himself admitted on Saturday with fever, tested negative for swine flu and was also released during the day.
“Shruti’s course of Tamiflu is over and she is not having fever anymore. Her parents have been asked to keep her quarantined at home for a few more days,” said Tapas Sen, the nodal officer for tackling swine flu in the state.
Shruti’s mother Sonali, who was staying with the girl in the 20-bed ward that has been divided by a curtain to separate male and female patients, had tested negative for swine flu.
The Oman residents had arrived in Calcutta last Tuesday after holidaying in Australia. Shruti was suffering from cough and fever when she landed at the city airport and was taken straight to the hospital.
The Delhi-based National Institute of Communicable Diseases, where nasal and throat swabs were sent for test, informed the hospital on June 25 that the girl was suffering from swine flu.
The only ones left in the Beleghata isolation ward are four-year-old Suchismita Das, who had tested positive for swine flu on Saturday, and her mother.
“Suchismita’s condition is stable. Her fever has subsided but she is still on medication,” said a source in the hospital.
Suchismita and her parents arrived in Calcutta from Bangkok, where they had gone on a holiday, early on Friday.
Prem Chand Yadav and Suchismita’s father Partha were released on Sunday after their swab tests proved negative.
Lahiri, 26, was the only patient who had voluntarily walked into the hospital and wanted to be tested for swine flu. He had been suffering from fever since returning from Bangkok a week ago.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Flu Pandemic Seminar 9th July LONDON
Aimed at CEOs, Directors, Senior Managers, Facility Managers, and business consultants.
This seminar is to help enable business and public bodies to plan for a possible flu pandemic. It covers all the essential information relating to affects of a pandemic, how to mitigate its impact and how to develop a pandemic plan.
Seminar Outline
Understand - the affect of a pandemic on the organisation
Businesses need to understand the affect of the pandemic on their business model. Restrictions on travel, restrictions on large gatherings, reduced staff attendence and disruption to supply all have significant impact on the successful operation of business and organisation.
Mitigate - the impact of the pandemic on the organisation
Businesses will need to take action to ensure that the impact of a flu pandemic is minimised. Supply chain is particularly important here, with supplies being stockpiled and alternative suppliers considered. Infrastructure amends will also need to be considered, including rerouting of telephone systems and purchasing of laptops.
Plan - for the action taken leading up to, and during the pandemic
This will be a series of actions which should be implemented as each of the WHO phases are reached. It is essential to have the plan written and, ideally, tested, as soon as possible.
The seminar will use case studies, exercises and personal experiences of developing pandemic plans within a number of different organisations to help develop the participant understanding of business continuity.
The Flu Pandemic seminar costs £400 (Excluding VAT).
The seminar runs from 10 am to 4 pm.
Book Here Now
This seminar is to help enable business and public bodies to plan for a possible flu pandemic. It covers all the essential information relating to affects of a pandemic, how to mitigate its impact and how to develop a pandemic plan.
Seminar Outline
Understand - the affect of a pandemic on the organisation
Businesses need to understand the affect of the pandemic on their business model. Restrictions on travel, restrictions on large gatherings, reduced staff attendence and disruption to supply all have significant impact on the successful operation of business and organisation.
Mitigate - the impact of the pandemic on the organisation
Businesses will need to take action to ensure that the impact of a flu pandemic is minimised. Supply chain is particularly important here, with supplies being stockpiled and alternative suppliers considered. Infrastructure amends will also need to be considered, including rerouting of telephone systems and purchasing of laptops.
Plan - for the action taken leading up to, and during the pandemic
This will be a series of actions which should be implemented as each of the WHO phases are reached. It is essential to have the plan written and, ideally, tested, as soon as possible.
The seminar will use case studies, exercises and personal experiences of developing pandemic plans within a number of different organisations to help develop the participant understanding of business continuity.
The Flu Pandemic seminar costs £400 (Excluding VAT).
The seminar runs from 10 am to 4 pm.
Book Here Now
Monday, June 1, 2009
Synthetic flu vaccine option?
A company claims it has created a synthetic version of the swine flu vaccine. CNN's Dr. Sanjay Gupta reports.
Watch the Videos now .
Watch the Videos now .
Friday, May 22, 2009
H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu)
A New Influenza Virus
Novel influenza A (H1N1) is a new flu virus of swine origin that was first detected in April, 2009. The virus is infecting people and is spreading from person-to-person, sparking a growing outbreak of illness in the United States. An increasing number of cases are being reported internationally as well.
It’s thought that novel influenza A (H1N1) flu spreads in the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread; mainly through the coughs and sneezes of people who are sick with the virus.
It’s uncertain at this time how severe this novel H1N1 outbreak will be in terms of illness and death compared with other influenza viruses. Because this is a new virus, most people will not have immunity to it, and illness may be more severe and widespread as a result. In addition, currently there is no vaccine to protect against this novel H1N1 virus. CDC anticipates that there will be more cases, more hospitalizations and more deaths associated with this new virus in the coming days and weeks.
Novel influenza A (H1N1) activity is now being detected through CDC’s routine influenza surveillance systems and reported weekly in FluView. CDC tracks U.S. influenza activity through multiple systems across five categories. The fact that novel H1N1 activity is now detected through seasonal surveillance systems is an indication that there are higher levels of influenza-like illness in the United States than is normal for this time of year. About half of all influenza viruses being detected are novel H1N1 viruses.
Learn more about it : http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Swing Flu is Slowing Down in Mexico
Influenza A(H1N1) Swine Flu which is dangerous Virus or Flu and this Swing Flu or Influenza A(H1N1) which is coming from the pig. The Mexico has been affected greatly and for this reason they announced to close the schools,cafe,shops and restaurants. But the good the news is the swine flu influenza outbreak have been dropping, according to health officials.
Mexico’s Secretary of Health told reporters over the weekend that the epidemic in that country had peaked and the number of new cases was on the decline. He also complained that some countries – most notably China – had reacted inappropriately by quarantining some travelers arriving from Mexico, even though they showed no symptoms of influenza. We’ll look at how various countries have acted – even over-reacted in some cases – to protect their borders and their citizens from the possible pandemi
According to BBC:
Restaurants and cafes in Mexico City are to reopen on Wednesday after the country recorded a fall in new cases of the swine flu virus.
Libraries, museums and churches are to follow suit a day later but cinemas, theatres and bars are to remain closed, the mayor’s office said.
Government officials are meeting to discuss when schools and businesses across the country can resume work.
More than 1,000 cases of the virus have been reported in 20 countries.
Confirmed cases in the US have risen from 226 to 286, spread over 36 states, with most patients suffering mild symptoms. One death has been confirmed - that of a Mexican two-year-old boy who was visiting Texas.
Officials say the rise in cases in recent days was due to results of lab tests coming through, rather than because of a new surge in cases.
The UN says it has seen no evidence of a spread at community level in Europe and Asia - a development that would trigger the highest level of alert.
Dr Keiji Fukuda, deputy chief of the World Health Organization (WHO), told reporters it was essential that surveillance remained strong worldwide.
Transmission to people who have not visited Mexico has been confirmed in six countries.
The virus is suspected of claiming 101 lives in Mexico though the number of confirmed cases there is 26, its health minister said on Monday.
After Mexico accused China of unfairly quarantining some of its citizens, the two countries sent planes to pick up each other’s citizens.
In other developments
• Canada’s confirmed number of cases rose to 140
• Of nine new confirmed cases of swine flu in the UK, seven appear to have been acquired from people who had not been to Mexico; total confirmed cases stood at 27
• About 250 recruits and personnel at an army camp in the western Swiss canton of Fribourg were placed under quarantine after two recruits reported having flu symptoms
‘Phase of decline’
Mexico’s shutdown is credited with stemming the spread of the virus but it badly affected the country’s economy.
President Felipe Calderon went on national TV on Sunday night to say a nationwide shutdown and an aggressive information campaign appeared to have helped curtail the outbreak in Mexico.
“We have succeeded in detaining or at least slowing the spread of the virus precisely because the measures have been the correct ones,” he said.
Swine flu has been confirmed as the cause of 26 deaths in Mexico and 701 people have been infected, Health Minister Jose Angel Cordova said on Monday.
Earlier, he had said the epidemic was “in its phase of decline”, having peaked between 23 and 28 April.
Talking about the possible reopening of schools, he warned it would “not happen just like that”. “There will have to be training, preparations for teachers and parents,” he told reporters.
Inhabitants of the capital interviewed by Reuters news agency on Sunday spoke of their frustration at the upset caused by the restrictions.
“They should open everything back up so we can work,” said Alberto Vazquez, 28, who washes cars for a living.
“These last days have been hard on us. If we don’t work, we don’t eat.”
‘Deceptive’ virus
Mexico has criticised China for placing in quarantine up to 70 Mexicans even though they showed no sign of having contracted swine flu.
A Mexican-chartered plane has left for Beijing to pick up Mexican citizens from different Chinese cities.
China, which denies discrimination, sent a plane in the opposite direction to pick up 200 Chinese nationals stranded in Mexico City.
A Mexican man staying in a Hong Kong hotel was confirmed to have contracted the virus on Friday. More than 250 guests and staff at the hotel are being held under quarantine for a week.
Canada asked China for an explanation on Monday after it also quarantined a group of at least 20 Canadian students, none of whom had shown any flu symptoms, in the north-eastern town of Changchun.
WHO chief Margaret Chan said there was “no indication” that swine flu, or H1N1, might develop into a pandemic similar to the Spanish Flu which killed tens of millions at the end of World War I.
Addressing a meeting of the UN General Assembly in New York by video link from Geneva, she also cautioned against complacency: “Flu viruses are very unpredictable, very deceptive… We should not be over-confident. One must not give H1N1 the opportunity to mix with other viruses.”
UN chief Ban Ki-moon, in New York, said the WHO did not plan to raise its pandemic alert to the highest level if the outbreak continued in its current pattern.
The severity of the swine flu virus remains uncertain, the BBC’s Imogen Foulkes reports from Geneva.
Health experts worldwide want to know which population groups are most vulnerable and why the virus has caused severe pneumonia among some patients, and diarrhoea - not normally associated with flu - in others, our correspondent says.
On Tuesday the WHO will hold a meeting of doctors and scientists to discuss these questions. The answers, the WHO says, will help all those working to control and treat the virus.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Agreements have been signed between the UK Government and vaccine manufacturers to secure Swin Flu
Agreements have been signed between the UK Government and vaccine manufacturers to secure supplies of up to 90 million doses of pre-pandemic H1N1 (swine flu) vaccine before a pandemic begins, the Department of Health has announced.
The deals signed between Secretary of State for Health, Alan Johnson, GlaxoSmithKline, and Baxter, will enable production of pre-pandemic vaccine to begin as soon as possible.
The agreements could provide enough vaccine to protect the most vulnerable in our population before a pandemic is likely to arrive, without affecting our supply of seasonal flu vaccine.
There are over 101 confirmed cases of swine flu in the UK. Most cases are linked to either previously confirmed cases or are returning travellers.
The pandemic flu alert level from the World Health Organization (WHO) remains at Phase Five. Other recent developments include:
The deals signed between Secretary of State for Health, Alan Johnson, GlaxoSmithKline, and Baxter, will enable production of pre-pandemic vaccine to begin as soon as possible.
The agreements could provide enough vaccine to protect the most vulnerable in our population before a pandemic is likely to arrive, without affecting our supply of seasonal flu vaccine.
There are over 101 confirmed cases of swine flu in the UK. Most cases are linked to either previously confirmed cases or are returning travellers.
The pandemic flu alert level from the World Health Organization (WHO) remains at Phase Five. Other recent developments include:
Monday, May 11, 2009
I have flu-like symptoms - what should I do?
Stay at home and rest.
Take medicines such as aspirin, ibuprofen or paracetamol to relieve the symptoms (following the instructions with the medicines). Children under 16 must not be given aspirin or ready-made flu remedies containing aspirin.
Drink plenty of fluids.
Phone your GP or NHS Direct if you have recently travelled to Mexico or the US or you have been in contact with someone who has confirmed or probable swine flu.
Phone your GP or NHS Direct if you develop complications such as shortness of breath.
Before you call, check your symptoms with this symptom checker.
Take medicines such as aspirin, ibuprofen or paracetamol to relieve the symptoms (following the instructions with the medicines). Children under 16 must not be given aspirin or ready-made flu remedies containing aspirin.
Drink plenty of fluids.
Phone your GP or NHS Direct if you have recently travelled to Mexico or the US or you have been in contact with someone who has confirmed or probable swine flu.
Phone your GP or NHS Direct if you develop complications such as shortness of breath.
Before you call, check your symptoms with this symptom checker.
What can I do to protect myself and my family?
Good hygiene is the key. You can reduce, but not eliminate, the risk of catching or spreading influenza by:
Using a tissue to cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.
Disposing of used tissues promptly and carefully.
Maintaining good basic hygiene, for example washing your hands frequently with soap and water to reduce the spread of the virus from your hands to your face, or to other people.
Cleaning hard surfaces (eg kitchen worktops, door handles) frequently using a normal cleaning product.
Using a tissue to cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.
Disposing of used tissues promptly and carefully.
Maintaining good basic hygiene, for example washing your hands frequently with soap and water to reduce the spread of the virus from your hands to your face, or to other people.
Cleaning hard surfaces (eg kitchen worktops, door handles) frequently using a normal cleaning product.
What is the current state of alert?
The swine flu alert level from the World Health Organization (WHO) remains at Phase Five, which means there is human-to-human spread of the virus in at least two countries in the same region. Phase Five is a strong signal that "a pandemic is imminent and that the time to finalise the organisation, communication, and implementation of planned mitigation measures is short," says the WHO. This is something that is already well under way in the UK.
As further information becomes available, WHO may decide to either revert to Phase Four or raise the level of alert to Phase Six, the highest level. The decision to move to Phase Five was based primarily on data demonstrating sustainable human-to-human transmission of the virus.
The WHO has defined six stages in the development of a pandemic. A virus outbreak is only classified as a pandemic at Phase Six.
As further information becomes available, WHO may decide to either revert to Phase Four or raise the level of alert to Phase Six, the highest level. The decision to move to Phase Five was based primarily on data demonstrating sustainable human-to-human transmission of the virus.
The WHO has defined six stages in the development of a pandemic. A virus outbreak is only classified as a pandemic at Phase Six.
Countries with confirmed cases of swine flu
Mexico: 1626 (45 deaths)
US: 2254 (2 deaths)
Canada: 280 (1 death)
Spain: 93
UK: 55
France: 12
Germany: 11
Italy: 9
Costa Rica: 8 (1 death)
Israel: 7
New Zealand: 7
Brazil: 6
Japan: 4
Republic of Korea: 3
Netherlands: 3
Panama: 3
El Salvador: 2
Argentina: 1
Austria: 1
Australia: 1
Sweden: 1
Denmark: 1
Colombia: 1
Switzerland: 1
Hong Kong: 1
Ireland: 1
Portugal: 1
Guatemala: 1
Poland: 1
US: 2254 (2 deaths)
Canada: 280 (1 death)
Spain: 93
UK: 55
France: 12
Germany: 11
Italy: 9
Costa Rica: 8 (1 death)
Israel: 7
New Zealand: 7
Brazil: 6
Japan: 4
Republic of Korea: 3
Netherlands: 3
Panama: 3
El Salvador: 2
Argentina: 1
Austria: 1
Australia: 1
Sweden: 1
Denmark: 1
Colombia: 1
Switzerland: 1
Hong Kong: 1
Ireland: 1
Portugal: 1
Guatemala: 1
Poland: 1
What You Need to Know
The World Health Organization (WHO) raised the current level of the influenza pandemic alert from phase four to five. Part of a six-phased approach, phase five is characterized by human-to-human spread of the virus into at least two countries in one WHO region.
“Influenza pandemics must be taken seriously precisely because of their capacity to spread to every country in the world,” said WHO Director-General, Dr. Margaret Chan in a statement on April 29.
International Medical Corps continues to monitor the spread of A/H1N1 infection. No cases have been reported in any areas of IMC’s international operations, but field staff members are prepared in the event that the disease spreads.
“International Medical Corps staff from Burundi, Kenya, Uganda, Sudan, and Ethiopia attended a three-day meeting in Addis, Ethiopia last week to discuss coordination for Pandemic Flu and review what resources are available in each country if there is an outbreak,” says Stephen Tomlin, Vice President of Program Policy and Planning at International Medical Corps.
According to WHO, 21 countries have officially reported a total of 1,124 cases of A/H1N1 infection. The United States has reported 286 confirmed human cases, including one death. Mexico has reported 590 confirmed human cases of infection, including 25 deaths.
The following countries have reported laboratory confirmed cases with no deaths – Austria (1), Canada (140), China, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (1), Costa Rica (1), Colombia (1), Denmark (1), El Salvador (2), France (4), Germany (8), Ireland (1), Israel (4), Italy (2), Netherlands (1), New Zealand (6), Portugal (1), Republic of Korea (1), Spain (54), Switzerland (1), and the United Kingdom (18).
“While the A/H1N1 virus has spread very rapidly, we are better prepared to handle an influenza outbreak than ever before because of efforts that had been taken for taken H5N1 since 2006,” says Tomlin.
International Medical Corps staff members have pandemic plans and will coordinate our response if there is a confirmed outbreak in an IMC country of operation. IMC’s community-level approach to programming has provided opportunities for prevention activities - including at the household level - that will stem the spread of most flu like illnesses.
As is the case with any viral flu, International Medical Corps health workers recommend the following:
1. Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
2. Wash your hands frequently
3. Don't run down your ability to fight infection
4. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
5. Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
“Influenza pandemics must be taken seriously precisely because of their capacity to spread to every country in the world,” said WHO Director-General, Dr. Margaret Chan in a statement on April 29.
International Medical Corps continues to monitor the spread of A/H1N1 infection. No cases have been reported in any areas of IMC’s international operations, but field staff members are prepared in the event that the disease spreads.
“International Medical Corps staff from Burundi, Kenya, Uganda, Sudan, and Ethiopia attended a three-day meeting in Addis, Ethiopia last week to discuss coordination for Pandemic Flu and review what resources are available in each country if there is an outbreak,” says Stephen Tomlin, Vice President of Program Policy and Planning at International Medical Corps.
According to WHO, 21 countries have officially reported a total of 1,124 cases of A/H1N1 infection. The United States has reported 286 confirmed human cases, including one death. Mexico has reported 590 confirmed human cases of infection, including 25 deaths.
The following countries have reported laboratory confirmed cases with no deaths – Austria (1), Canada (140), China, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (1), Costa Rica (1), Colombia (1), Denmark (1), El Salvador (2), France (4), Germany (8), Ireland (1), Israel (4), Italy (2), Netherlands (1), New Zealand (6), Portugal (1), Republic of Korea (1), Spain (54), Switzerland (1), and the United Kingdom (18).
“While the A/H1N1 virus has spread very rapidly, we are better prepared to handle an influenza outbreak than ever before because of efforts that had been taken for taken H5N1 since 2006,” says Tomlin.
International Medical Corps staff members have pandemic plans and will coordinate our response if there is a confirmed outbreak in an IMC country of operation. IMC’s community-level approach to programming has provided opportunities for prevention activities - including at the household level - that will stem the spread of most flu like illnesses.
As is the case with any viral flu, International Medical Corps health workers recommend the following:
1. Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
2. Wash your hands frequently
3. Don't run down your ability to fight infection
4. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
5. Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
'International concern' about Swin Flu
In the US, seven people in California, two people in Texas, and two people in Kansas have been infected with the new strain.
In New York, city health commissioner Dr Thomas Frieden said preliminary tests conducted on the ailing students showed they were possible cases of swine flu.
Further tests will clarify if it was the same strain that was detected in the other three states.
Following a meeting of its emergency committee on Saturday, the WHO said the virus had the potential to become a pandemic but it was too early to say whether that would happen.
WHO Director General Margaret Chan said recent events constituted "a public health emergency of international concern" and that countries needed to co-operate in heightening surveillance.
The WHO is advising all countries to be vigilant for seasonally unusual flu or pneumonia-like symptoms among their populations - particularly among young healthy adults, a characteristic of past pandemics.
Officials said most of those killed so far in Mexico were young adults - rather than more vulnerable children and the elderly.
There is currently no vaccine for the new strain but severe cases can be treated with antiviral medication.
It is unclear how effective currently available flu vaccines would be at offering protection against the new strain, as it is genetically distinct from other flu strains.
In New York, city health commissioner Dr Thomas Frieden said preliminary tests conducted on the ailing students showed they were possible cases of swine flu.
Further tests will clarify if it was the same strain that was detected in the other three states.
Following a meeting of its emergency committee on Saturday, the WHO said the virus had the potential to become a pandemic but it was too early to say whether that would happen.
WHO Director General Margaret Chan said recent events constituted "a public health emergency of international concern" and that countries needed to co-operate in heightening surveillance.
The WHO is advising all countries to be vigilant for seasonally unusual flu or pneumonia-like symptoms among their populations - particularly among young healthy adults, a characteristic of past pandemics.
Officials said most of those killed so far in Mexico were young adults - rather than more vulnerable children and the elderly.
There is currently no vaccine for the new strain but severe cases can be treated with antiviral medication.
It is unclear how effective currently available flu vaccines would be at offering protection against the new strain, as it is genetically distinct from other flu strains.
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