Swine flu has already spread up in India with the dealth toll rising to 1110 mark whereas the swine flu cases have been gone upto 22000 the wave of swine flu now spreading in Goa also rapidly with 12 cases detected in the state. Even though the cases of the swine flu are keep on growing in Goa the government has said that taking the vaccine is not mandatory meanwhile four new cases tested positive for the H1N1 virus. While three have already undergone treatment, the fourth is being treated at the Goa Medical College, Bambolim. Two of the three that received treatment were found to have travelled outside the State recently, but have received medication and are out of danger but still under observation.
According to the statement given by Dr Utkarsh Betodkar, State epidemiologist “The government has not given a protocol asking for mandatory vaccination, as the World Health Organisation guidelines recommends it only for high risk people such as doctors and nurses.” The GMC patient has been referred from the Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra. Of the 60 samples sent to the National Disease Control Centre, New Delhi, since January 1, 2015, 12 have tested positive while reports on four cases are still awaited. Dr Betodkar, confirmed that there were positive cases, adding the situation was under control as the Oseltamivir treatment is available at most private hospitals, district government hospitals, at the GMC, as well as at Chicalim and Ponda health centers.
Now that it is made clear by the government that vaccination is not mandatory for the general public as it is only for the doctors and nurses as per the WHO guidelines, here few guidelines the general public must follow to prevent the virus entering our system.
# 1 don’t depend on face mask alone
Though the face mask is must for the virus infected person as it will stop the risk of spread of virus. But depending alone on the face mask will not assure the immunity you also need to follow regular hygiene such as # Wash your hands often. # Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. # Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. # If you’ve got flu-like symptoms, avoid others until you’ve been free of fever for 24 hours. Stay at least 6 feet away from people with flu-like illness. If you do wear a face mask, don’t reuse it. # Get enough sleep of 8 hours every night to keep your immune system strong and ready to fight infection. # Keep your body hydrated by drinking water of about 8-10 glasses daily. This will help flush toxins from your system while maintaining good moisture and mucous production in your sinuses. # Eat whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables and other vitamin-rich foods to keep your body strong and nourished. # Avoid fatty foods as these can slow your metabolism and weaken your immune system.
# 2 Keep things clean around you
Flu viruses can linger on books, toys, countertops, doorknobs, phones, linens, eating utensils, and other objects. Use a household disinfectant, following the directions on the products’ label. Using of hand sanitizers after greeting others is highly recommended in this situation to avoid the spread of virus.
# 3 Please don’t panic
Although there is no reason to panic, there is good reason to get vaccinated and seek prompt medical care for flu symptoms if you’re in a high-risk group. People who are high priorities for H1N1 vaccination are – # Pregnant women, # People who live with or care, # for children younger than 6 months of age, # Health care and emergency medical services personnel, # People between the ages of 6 months and 24 years, # People ages 25-64 who have chronic health conditions or weak immune systems
# 4 Stay at home
Those symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue; diarrhea and vomiting may also be symptoms of swine flu. Unless you’re going to get medical care, stay home to avoid infecting others. That means not going to work or school, not running your normal errands, and not traveling. By staying home, you’ll help prevent other people from getting sick. The duration of staying home is at least 24 hours after you are free of fever of 100 degrees Fahrenheit, or signs of fever, without taking fever-reducing medicines.
# 5 Take medical help in case of
It is advisable to seek emergency medical care in case of any of the following symptoms # Fast breathing or trouble breathing, # Bluish or gray skin color, # Not drinking enough fluids, # Severe or persistent vomiting, # Not waking up or not interacting, # Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and cough, # Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
# 6 Teach your children same thing you follow
Children need to do the same things as adults — stay home when sick, avoid sick people, cough and sneeze into a tissue, and wash their hands. It is recommended to teach kids to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice while washing their hands with soap and water, so that they wash their hands for 20 seconds. Also tell kids to stay at least 6 feet away from people who are sick.
