In this article on Swine Flu , Dr Samit Bali gives us a detailed know-how about Swine Flu - Its precautions, symptoms & treatment.
The Swine Flu (H1N1) influenza virus first appeared in the present century on the world map in USA and Mexico on 24th April 2009. Historically the Classical H1 Swine Influenza virus was first detected in North America in 1930s.There has been minor isolated incidents of transmission of virus from Swine(pig) to Humans, but the present pandemic spread of virus has lead to sustained human to human transmission in a community which is immune deficient.
At present the number of confirmed cases is 44287 with a global mortality rate approaching 182(WHO update - June 19th). The maximum number of cases are in USA (21499) with minimum number(1) in number of smaller countries. India presently has 59 confirmed cases.
Q: How does the patient present to a doctor?
The symptoms are the usual like and consist of cough, fever, sore throat , malaise & headache. The patient may also have digestive system disturbance like nausea, vomiting & diarrhea. So the picture of the infection is more or less similar to seasonal flu symptoms which you suffer every year.
Q: How to Diagnose?
On the basis of the clinical evaluation. The confirmation and isolation of the virus is done by test called RT-PCR, which is carried out by only some specialized viral Labs.
Q: How to treat?
Symptomatic treatment consists for fever, body aches by acetaminophen. Drained out fluids from your body should be replaced and maintenance of good nutrition for strengthening your immunity.
At the community level social barriers like voluntary isolation, avoiding overcrowding in religious functions.
Q: When the patient should be referred to higher center?
When patient shows danger signs like unconsciousness, convulsions, dehydration, difficulty in breathing and severe chest or abdominal pain.
Role of antibiotics is only when the patient has underlying bacterial diseases like pneumonia, diarrhea. Confirmed cases of H1N1 should be given oral antiviral therapy.
Q: How to Prevent?
Prevention should be carried out on war footing to contain the spread of virus in the community.
At the home follow HAND HYGIENE i.e cleansing & rinsing of hands with soap water for 20 second, followed by thorough drying.
Cough Etiquette: Cover your coughs and sneezes with tissue, cloth or mask. The house should be well ventilated for dispersion of respiratory droplets.
Limitation of close contact with ill person, especially child below 2 years, pregnant lady or immune compromised person.
Avoid sharing toothbrushes, cigarette, eating utensils & linens. Cleaning of the contaminated surfaces by water & soap.
Avoid traveling to the pandemic areas
Q: Role of Vaccine?
It is under developmental stage can take up to 6 months.
Dr. Samit Bali (MBBS, MS)
Consultant ENT Surgeon
Nagpur - Phone no. 0712-2549358
Follow me on Twitter @ balinagpur
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Website:www.baliclinic.net
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