Bolohealth.com releases advisory on Swine flu to prepare Indians

Online, November 27, 2009 (Newswire.com) - November 25, Mumbai: bolohealth.com a leading health portal for Indians released an advisory on swine flu, yesterday, to prepare one and all against a possible second wave of swine flu attacks.

"Winter is here, and the tendency to contract infectious diseases is high during this time. It is possible that the spread of lethal viruses such as H1N1 may be high during this time. Swine flu is already a global threat. In India, since the first casualty on Aug 3, 2009, the number of people affected is 19,962, while the current death toll stands at 558. Doctors and medical experts have warned that the approaching winter could bring with it a second wave of the disease that could indicate a rapid escalation in both transmission rates as well as severity of symptoms," says Sharmistha Dey, chief editor of bolohealth.com.

bolohealth.com advises the Indian citizenry to avoid panic and stay prepared. This is the portal's initiative to ensure people are not caught off-guard unlike the previous time.

Here are a few guidelines to keep in mind.

How can I protect myself?
The indigenous vaccine against swine flu being developed in India may only be out by by early 2010. As of now however, practicing commonsense precautions is the surest way of ensuring yourself any degree of protection.

Since swine flu spreads through the cough or sneeze of infected people, hygiene is of utmost importance. Follow these rules at all times:
• Use a tissue to cover your nose and mouth while coughing and sneezing; dispose this properly.
• Regularly wash hands using water and soap or an alcohol bases sanitizer, especially when outside.
• Avoid eating or touching the nose, mouth or eyes with unwashed hands.

Stay away from persons with symptoms of respiratory illness. If you cannot do so, avoid or minimize contact with them, or with surfaces that they may have contaminated by their presence. Wash hands thoroughly and disinfect or discard clothes and other possessions that may have come into direct or indirect contact with such persons.

Will it help to wear a face mask or respirator?
Face masks and respirators are recommended for people who are directly dealing with infected or sick people, for instance health care professionals or those nursing an infected person at home.

However, most experts do not recommend the use of these for general situations. If you are using one, get one that fits snugly on your face, thoroughly wash hands before putting it on, and change it regularly as prescribed.

What symptoms should I watch out for?
Symptoms of swine flu closely resemble those of common influenza. They include fever, sneezing, coughing, sore throat, headache and body ache. Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea may also be there.

If you have these symptoms, it is important that you consult your doctor who will examine you and start treatment. While testing for swine flu is possible, your doctor may choose to begin treatment even without waiting for a laboratory confirmation.

Also, if you are showing flu symptoms, remain at home. Follow all basic hygiene precautions to prevent infecting those around you.
How is swine flu treated?
The antiviral drug Oseltamivir, now also manufactured in India as Antiflu, is the prescribed treatment for swine flu infection. Started early, the drug checks the development of the infection and prevents serious complications.
Immediately contact your doctor in case of any of these symptoms.

For more information, visit bolohealth's Swine flu center
Source: http://www.bolohealth.com