Dealing with Swine flu

The current swine flu outbreak is taking people by surprise. Some are aware of it but many are still ignorant. Caused by a new strain of Influenza A, H1N1 virus, it has spread like a wildfire all over the globe as it spreads from person to person. The Ministry of Health is working around the clock to reduce its spread in the country with 79 cases confirmed on Wednesday. There is no need for alarm because reports from the Ministry of Health show that a number of health experts in various parts of the country have been trained to identify and handle cases of patients suffering from H1N1. Various hospitals around the country are on alert and have already started sensitizing people in various health centers on how to handle the outbreak. As the doctors, laboratory technicians, nurses and supervision officers work around the clock, the public too needs to be on standby and learn how to deal with the outbreak. Everyone today will have to become a ‘brother’s keeper’ and learn basic facts on how the A, H1N1 can be kept at bay. Symptoms Symptoms of swine flu are like regular flu symptoms. It manifests with fever, cough, sore throat, running nose, body aches, headache chills, and fatigue. Many people with swine flu have had diarrhea and vomiting. Nearly everyone with the usual cold has at least two of these symptoms. Sometimes these symptoms are a result of many other conditions. This means that a doctor cannot know diagnose A H1N1 by basing only on the patient symptoms. A patient must be tested to confirm whether it’s swine flu or some other ailment. Certain groups have a higher risk of suffering if they caught swine flu. These include; pregnant women, young children especially those under two years of age, people with heart disease, people living positively with HIV infection, and those with chronic diseases. Also, people under immune suppressing drugs, such as cancer chemotherapy or anti-rejection drugs for transplants are advised to avoid contact with anyone with flu. If they get flu, they are advised to seek immediate medical care. How its spread The influenza A, H1N1 virus spreads just like a regular cold. One could pick up germs directly from an infected person, or by touching an object they recently touched, and then touching their eyes, mouth, or nose. This delivers the germs into their systems for their own infection. This is why a person should make washing their hands a habit, even when he or she is not ill. Infected people can start spreading flu germs up to a day before symptoms start, and for up to seven days after getting sick. The virus becomes airborne if a patient coughs or sneezes without covering the nose and mouth. What to do If any person has flu symptoms, they are advised to stay home. When coughing or sneezing, they should cover mouth and nose with a tissue. Afterwards, throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands. That will help prevent the flu from spreading.In case a person has got flu symptoms, and lives in or recently visited an area where H1N1 cases have been identified, they are urged to seek medical advice from the nearest health care centre, clinic or hospital. These also include people who have flu symptoms but have not been in a high risk area. If the doctor suspects swine flu, they should be able to write you a prescription for right medications such as Tamiflu or Relenza. It is also important to note that various groups of people can be affected by various warning signs. Children should be given urgent medical attention in case they; have fast breathing or trouble breathing, have bluish or gray skin color, are not drinking enough fluids, are not waking up or not interacting, are so irritable that the child does not want to be held, have flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with fever and a worse cough and have fever with a rash. Adults should seek urgent medical attention in case they have or develop; difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen, sudden dizziness, confusion and severe or persistent vomiting. Treatment The H1N1 flu virus is sensitive to the antiviral drugs such as Tamiflu and Relenza. These drugs can prevent and treat it. They are most effective when taken with in 48 hours of the start of flu symptoms. josephmunich06@yahoo.co.uk