Swine Flu In India

The year, 2015 sees a high death toll due to swine flu which has reached to 624 across the country within 45days. According to the government data, 9,311 people,  got infected by swine flu and 300 died in February alone .

Swine Flu Information

The Sporadic Swine Influenza virus (SIV) infection that people can experience has the potential to produce a number of clinical signs and symptoms. Numbers of the persons with a history of the SIV infection have a history of a recent, physical contact with pigs before becoming ill; although close proximity without direct contact with pigs has also been reported among persons with SIV. Contact between persons that has been either limited or non-sustained between people has lead to transmission of SIV and has been documented through published literature. Additionally; there have been confirmed cases of SIV that have not occurred through exposure to pigs.
- See more at: http://www.disabled-world.com/health/influenza/swine-flu/#sthash.BBCgP3lX.dpuf

Whereas 218 swine flu deaths were reported in 2014 out of 937 cases in India.

Swine flu drug Tamiflu will now be in Schedule X. This means that 10,000 licensed chemists all over the nation can supply this drug but it won't be available over the counter.

Here are the 5 facts that you should know about the swine flu:

• What exactly is Swine Flu?

Swine Influenza(H1N1), commonly known as Swine Flu is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza virus. It is causes high level of illness and low death rates among the pigs. This disease is deadly for human beings. Swine Flu has caused 624 deaths till now in the year 2015 across India.

• How does Swine Flu spread?

Pigs infected with influenza virus have a cough, runny nose, decreased appetite and lethargy. The virus spreads from pig to pig through contact with the infected mucous secretion.

However, this can be directly transmitted to the humans as well due to the direct contact with the infected pigs. H1N1 is highly contagious and spreads quickly from person to person through air, mucus and saliva particles.

A simple sneeze or cough spreads thousands of germs through the air. When people who have it cough or sneeze, they spray tiny drops of the virus into the air. If you come in contact with these drops or touch a surface (such as a doorknob or sink) that an infected person has recently touched, you can catch H1N1 swine flu.

• What are the symptoms of Swine Flu?

Most symptoms are the same as seasonal flu. They can include:

• cough
• fever
• sore throat
• stuffy or runny nose
• body aches
• headache
• chills
• fatigue

Like seasonal flu, swine flu can lead to more serious complications, including pneumonia and respiratory failure.If a person suffers through these symptoms must consult a doctor as early as possible.

• How can we prevent ourselves from Swine Flu?

1. The best way to keep the deadly disease at bay is to get a flu shot or flu vaccine on a yearly basis.
2. Washing hands frequently with soap is essential
3. Stay home if you're ill to avoid catching swine flu  
4. Avoiding crowded places when swine flu is in season.
5. Have properly handled and cooked food
6. It is advisable for people to wear mouth masks who are prone to diseases
7. Don't shake hands with people who are infected
8. Don't spit in public as it transmits germs
9. Infected people must cover their mouths and noses while coughing or sneezing
10. One who is infected with swine flu must stay at home and have proper prescribed medicines and sleep

•     Are there any medicines available to treat Swine Flu?

1. Oseltamivir, marketed under the trade name Tamiflu, is the recommended anti viral drug for the treatment or prevention for/from Swine Flu
2. The government has adequate stock of the drug at the time of outbreak and would be available free of cost. The drug is to be administered under supervision of the doctors. 

H1N1 Swine Flu Virus - Symptoms Prevention and Treatment

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Swine Flu Information

The Sporadic Swine Influenza virus (SIV) infection that people can experience has the potential to produce a number of clinical signs and symptoms. Numbers of the persons with a history of the SIV infection have a history of a recent, physical contact with pigs before becoming ill; although close proximity without direct contact with pigs has also been reported among persons with SIV. Contact between persons that has been either limited or non-sustained between people has lead to transmission of SIV and has been documented through published literature. Additionally; there have been confirmed cases of SIV that have not occurred through exposure to pigs.

Symptoms of Swine Flu

Many time, people experience symptoms such as a cough, fever, or sore throat; although symptoms like mild respiratory illness to include nasal congestion without a fever, or occasional severe disease have also been reported. Additional symptoms that have been reported by people with swine flu include diarrhea, vomiting, headache, myalgia, dyspnea, fatigue, and chills. Some people have experienced conjunctivitis, although it is rare. More severe disease to include pneumonia and respiratory failure have also been reported in association with swine flu. A consideration in regards to SIV involves the exacerbation of other, underlying and chronic medical conditions that a person may experience, or invasive bacterial infections.

Clinical Care and Collection of Respiratory Specimens

People who either have, or are suspected or having the SIV virus, should be considered potentially contagious for a period of seven days from the date of illness onset. People who continue to exhibit symptoms of illness for a period of time that extends past seven days should be considered contagious until their symptoms have resolved. Children; younger children in particular, have the potential to remain contagious for longer periods of time. The current outbreak of SIV is affecting younger adults between the ages of twenty and forty years of age. The time a person may remain infectious various according to the strain of swine flu involved.

Defining Swine Flu Cases

A confirmed case of SIV is defined as a person who is experiencing an acute respiratory illness combined with laboratory confirmation of the SIV virus through one of the following tests:

• Real-time RT-PCR
• Viral culture
• Four-fold rise in swine influenza A virus specific neutralizing antibodies

Suspected cases of SIV are defined as persons who are experiencing respiratory illness who may have had close contact with someone with a confirmed case of SIV while that person was ill or is an acutely ill person, such as someone with an acute respiratory illness, or contact with a person who has a history of recent contact with an animal with either a confirmed or suspected SIV infection. 'Close contact,' is defined as being within a proximity of six feet of someone who has a confirmed case of SIV. An, 'Acute Respiratory Illness,' is defined as the recent onset of at least two of the following things:

• Nasal congestion
• Sore throat
• Cough; with or without a fever or feverishness

Healthcare Worker Recommendations

When interviewing persons who are either suspected of having, or are confirmed with the SIV virus, it is recommended to:

• Keep a distance of at least 6 feet from the ill person; or use
• Personal protective equipment: fit-tested N95 respirator. If this respirator is unavailable, wear a medical-surgical mask.

When collecting respiratory specimens from an ill confirmed or suspected swine influenza A virus case, the following is recommended:

• Wear a fit-tested disposable N95 respirator or a medical-surgical mask, disposable gloves, gown, and goggles.
• When completed, place all PPE in a biohazard bag for appropriate disposal.
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water or alcohol-based hand gel.

Controlling Infection

Recommended Infection Control for a non-hospitalized patient in an Emergency Room, Clinic or Home Visit:
Separate the person in a single room, if available, until the person is asymptomatic. If the ill person needs to move to another part of the house, they should wear a mask. The ill person should be encouraged to wash their hands frequently and to follow respiratory hygiene practices. Cups and other utensils that have been used by the ill person should be thoroughly washed with soap and water before they are used by other persons.

Infection Control for a hospitalized patients involves the following procedures:

• Use an airborne infection isolation room (AIIR) with negative pressure air handling, if available; otherwise use a single patient room with the door kept closed.
• For suctioning, bronchoscopy, or intubation, use a procedure room with negative pressure air handling.
• Standard, Droplet and Contact precautions for 7 days after illness onset or until symptoms have resolved.
• In addition, personnel should wear N95 respirators when entering the patient room.

Treatment With Antivirals

Treating either confirmed or suspected cases of swine flu with antivirals can include the use of either Zanamivir (Relenza) or Oseltamivir (Tamiflu). Recommendations regarding the use of antivirals can change as information on their susceptibilities becomes available.

Antiviral Treatment

Antiviral treatment for confirmed or suspected ill case of swine influenza virus infection may include either oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or zanamivir, with no preference given at this time. Recommendations for use of antivirals may change as data on antiviral susceptibilities become available. It is important to initiate the treatment as soon as possible after the onset of symptoms. Confirmed and suspected cases of SIV should be monitored for fever and respiratory symptoms for a period of seven days after their last known exposure to a person with a confirmed case of SIV infection.
Dr. Christine Nevin-Woods, executive director of the Pueblo City-County Health Department, has presented a list of actions that people can take in order to stay healthy during during any outbreaks of swine flu. These actions include:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
• If you are sick, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

Preparedness and stockpiling may be needed if an illness is near or in your area. Social distancing is implemented to reduce the spread of the illness. Social distancing may be used to prevent large crowds of people from gathering. For example, schools and shopping centers may be closed; sporting events or other special events may be canceled in order to protect the community from spreading illness.

- See more at: http://www.disabled-world.com/health/influenza/swine-flu/#sthash.BBCgP3lX.dpuf

H1N1 Swine Flu Virus - Symptoms Prevention and Treatment

---

Swine Flu Information

The Sporadic Swine Influenza virus (SIV) infection that people can experience has the potential to produce a number of clinical signs and symptoms. Numbers of the persons with a history of the SIV infection have a history of a recent, physical contact with pigs before becoming ill; although close proximity without direct contact with pigs has also been reported among persons with SIV. Contact between persons that has been either limited or non-sustained between people has lead to transmission of SIV and has been documented through published literature. Additionally; there have been confirmed cases of SIV that have not occurred through exposure to pigs.

Symptoms of Swine Flu

Many time, people experience symptoms such as a cough, fever, or sore throat; although symptoms like mild respiratory illness to include nasal congestion without a fever, or occasional severe disease have also been reported. Additional symptoms that have been reported by people with swine flu include diarrhea, vomiting, headache, myalgia, dyspnea, fatigue, and chills. Some people have experienced conjunctivitis, although it is rare. More severe disease to include pneumonia and respiratory failure have also been reported in association with swine flu. A consideration in regards to SIV involves the exacerbation of other, underlying and chronic medical conditions that a person may experience, or invasive bacterial infections.

Clinical Care and Collection of Respiratory Specimens

People who either have, or are suspected or having the SIV virus, should be considered potentially contagious for a period of seven days from the date of illness onset. People who continue to exhibit symptoms of illness for a period of time that extends past seven days should be considered contagious until their symptoms have resolved. Children; younger children in particular, have the potential to remain contagious for longer periods of time. The current outbreak of SIV is affecting younger adults between the ages of twenty and forty years of age. The time a person may remain infectious various according to the strain of swine flu involved.

Defining Swine Flu Cases

A confirmed case of SIV is defined as a person who is experiencing an acute respiratory illness combined with laboratory confirmation of the SIV virus through one of the following tests:

• Real-time RT-PCR
• Viral culture
• Four-fold rise in swine influenza A virus specific neutralizing antibodies

Suspected cases of SIV are defined as persons who are experiencing respiratory illness who may have had close contact with someone with a confirmed case of SIV while that person was ill or is an acutely ill person, such as someone with an acute respiratory illness, or contact with a person who has a history of recent contact with an animal with either a confirmed or suspected SIV infection. 'Close contact,' is defined as being within a proximity of six feet of someone who has a confirmed case of SIV. An, 'Acute Respiratory Illness,' is defined as the recent onset of at least two of the following things:

• Nasal congestion
• Sore throat
• Cough; with or without a fever or feverishness

Healthcare Worker Recommendations

When interviewing persons who are either suspected of having, or are confirmed with the SIV virus, it is recommended to:

• Keep a distance of at least 6 feet from the ill person; or use
• Personal protective equipment: fit-tested N95 respirator. If this respirator is unavailable, wear a medical-surgical mask.

When collecting respiratory specimens from an ill confirmed or suspected swine influenza A virus case, the following is recommended:

• Wear a fit-tested disposable N95 respirator or a medical-surgical mask, disposable gloves, gown, and goggles.
• When completed, place all PPE in a biohazard bag for appropriate disposal.
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water or alcohol-based hand gel.

Controlling Infection

Recommended Infection Control for a non-hospitalized patient in an Emergency Room, Clinic or Home Visit:
Separate the person in a single room, if available, until the person is asymptomatic. If the ill person needs to move to another part of the house, they should wear a mask. The ill person should be encouraged to wash their hands frequently and to follow respiratory hygiene practices. Cups and other utensils that have been used by the ill person should be thoroughly washed with soap and water before they are used by other persons.

Infection Control for a hospitalized patients involves the following procedures:

• Use an airborne infection isolation room (AIIR) with negative pressure air handling, if available; otherwise use a single patient room with the door kept closed.
• For suctioning, bronchoscopy, or intubation, use a procedure room with negative pressure air handling.
• Standard, Droplet and Contact precautions for 7 days after illness onset or until symptoms have resolved.
• In addition, personnel should wear N95 respirators when entering the patient room.

Treatment With Antivirals

Treating either confirmed or suspected cases of swine flu with antivirals can include the use of either Zanamivir (Relenza) or Oseltamivir (Tamiflu). Recommendations regarding the use of antivirals can change as information on their susceptibilities becomes available.

Antiviral Treatment

Antiviral treatment for confirmed or suspected ill case of swine influenza virus infection may include either oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or zanamivir, with no preference given at this time. Recommendations for use of antivirals may change as data on antiviral susceptibilities become available. It is important to initiate the treatment as soon as possible after the onset of symptoms. Confirmed and suspected cases of SIV should be monitored for fever and respiratory symptoms for a period of seven days after their last known exposure to a person with a confirmed case of SIV infection.
Dr. Christine Nevin-Woods, executive director of the Pueblo City-County Health Department, has presented a list of actions that people can take in order to stay healthy during during any outbreaks of swine flu. These actions include:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
• If you are sick, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

Preparedness and stockpiling may be needed if an illness is near or in your area. Social distancing is implemented to reduce the spread of the illness. Social distancing may be used to prevent large crowds of people from gathering. For example, schools and shopping centers may be closed; sporting events or other special events may be canceled in order to protect the community from spreading illness.

- See more at: http://www.disabled-world.com/health/influenza/swine-flu/#sthash.BBCgP3lX.dpu