H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu)

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Dear All,

We believe that information and awareness are the best tools to fight
H1N1 virus. Please find below some details on this Flu and precautions
thereof.

What is H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) ?

H1N1 flu is a acute respiratory disease, normally found in pigs (hence
the name Swine Flu). It spreads through tiny particles in the air or
by direct contact. Judging from the symptoms and tests of the dead
pigs, experts have reached the preliminary conclusion that the disease
is caused by swine streptococosis.

Is the current swine flu virus contagious? How does swine flu spread?

Various international agencies (US Centers for Disease Control &
Prevention, World Health Organization) have determined that this swine
influenza A (H1N1) virus is contagious and is spreading from human to
human. Spread of this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is thought to be
happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are
spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of
people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by
touching something with live flu viruses on it and then touching their
mouth or nose. The flu virus dies when cooked at temperatures of 160
F/70C or higher.

Symptoms of the Flu

The H1N1 flu is characterized by common flu symptoms - sudden fever,
muscle aches, sore throat and dry cough - but may cause more severe
vomiting and diarrhea. People affected by the flu virus may also
report weakness, sickness and show symptoms of endemic bleeding and
shock. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure)
and deaths have been reported with swine flu infection in people. Like
seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic
medical conditions.

How are human infections with swine influenza diagnosed?

To diagnose swine influenza A infection, a respiratory specimen would
generally need to be collected within the first 4 to 5 days of illness
(when an infected person is most likely to be shedding virus).
However, some persons, especially children, may shed virus for 10 days
or longer. Identification as a swine flu influenza A virus requires
sending the specimen to a hospital laboratory for testing.

How can someone with the flu infect someone else?

Infected people may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before
symptoms develop and up to 7 or more days after becoming sick. That
means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before
you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick. Children,
especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for
longer periods.

What Vaccines are available?

The US CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir (Tamiflu®) or zanamivir
(Relenza®) for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with these
swine influenza viruses. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines
(pills, liquid or an inhaler) that fight against the flu by keeping
flu viruses from reproducing in your body. If you get sick, antiviral
drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster.
They may also prevent serious flu complications. For treatment,
antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within 2
days of symptoms).

Precautions

What surfaces are most likely to be sources of contamination?

The virus can be spread when a person touches something that is
contaminated with the virus and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or
mouth. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move
through the air. The virus can then be spread when a person touches
respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk,
doorknob, child's toy or phone handset and then touches their own
eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands

How long can viruses live outside the body?

We know that some viruses and bacteria can live 2 hours or longer on
surfaces like cafeteria tables, doorknobs, and desks. Frequent
handwashing will help you reduce the chance of getting contamination
from these common surfaces.

What can I do to protect myself from getting sick & spreading the virus?

ü  Try to avoid close contact with sick people. If you are sick, limit
your contact with other people as much as possible.

ü  Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
It may prevent those around you from getting sick. Put your used
tissue in the waste basket.

ü  Cover your cough or sneeze if you do not have a tissue. Then, clean
your hands, and do so every time you cough or sneeze.

ü  Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Wash
your hands with soap and warm water for 15 to 20 seconds.

ü  When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based disposable
hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used. You can find them in most
supermarkets and drugstores. If using gel, rub your hands until the
gel is dry. The gel doesn't need water to work; the alcohol in it
kills the germs on your hands.

ü  Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. The virus can spread this way.

ü  If you get sick with influenza, stay home from work or school and
limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

In children emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

•          Fast breathing or trouble breathing

•          Bluish skin color

•          Not drinking enough fluids

•          Not waking up or not interacting

•          Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held

•          Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

•          Fever with a rash

In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

•          Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

•          Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen

•          Sudden dizziness

•          Confusion

•          Severe or persistent vomiting

Household Cleaning, Laundry, and Waste Disposal

•          Throw away tissues and other disposable items used by the
sick person in the trash. Wash your hands after touching used tissues
and similar waste.

•          Keep surfaces (esp bedside tables, surfaces in the
bathroom, children's toys, phone handles, doorknobs) clean by wiping
them down with a household disinfectant according to directions on the
product label.

•          Linens, eating utensils, and dishes belonging to those who
are sick do not need to be cleaned separately, but importantly these
items should not be shared without washing thoroughly first.

•          Wash linens (such as bed sheets and towels) by using
household laundry soap and tumble dry on a hot setting. Avoid
"hugging" laundry prior to washing it to prevent contaminating
yourself. Clean your hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand
rub right after handling dirty laundry.

•          Eating utensils should be washed either in a dishwasher or
by hand with water and soap.

While the hospitals in the country are geared up to provide the
necessary vaccines, our employees and family members need to be aware
of the symptoms and actions to be taken. It would also be recommended
that you stay in touch with your approved panel of doctors to stay
informed about this virus.

GOVERNMENT AUTHORIZED HOSPITALS FOR TREATMENT OF SWINE FLU

City

Hospital

Address

Contact

Pune

Naidu Hospital

Nr Le'Meridian, Raja Bahadur Mill, GPO, Pune – 01

(020) 26058243

National Institute of Virology

20A Ambedkar Road, Pune – 11

(020) 26006290

Mumbai

Kasturba Gandhi Hospital

Arthur Road, N M Joshi Marg, Jacob Circle, Mumbai - 11

(022) 23083901, 23092458, 23004512

Sir J J Hospital

J J Marg, Byculla, Mumbai - 08

(022) 23735555, 23739031, 23760943, 23768400 / 23731144 / 5555 / 23701393 / 1366

Haffkine Institute

Acharya Donde Marg, Parel, Mumbai – 12

(022) 24160947, 24160961, 24160962

Bangalore

Victoria Hospital

K R Market, Kalasipalayam, Bangalore – 02

(080) 26703294  Dr. Gangadhar - 94480-49863

SDS Tuberculosis & Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Chest Diseases

Hosur Road, Hombegowda Nagar, Bangalore – 29

(080) 26631923  Dr. Shivaraj - 99801-48780

We will keep you posted on any further information we receive.

Be alert & take care.