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Swine Flu Syndrome : What You Must Know !

Posted by Admin:
While the country is still recovering from the dengue epidemic, its the time of year again when Influenza infections
such as common colds, pneumonias, and the dreaded swine flu and bird flu may be back.
As Swine flu has claimed more than 4000 lives in India alone last year, prevention is of utmost importance.
According to an audit by the state health department in Mumbai, the virus had resulted in 30% deaths in first 48 hours
of hospital admission.
Depending on the type of viral strains, each year a new virus strain like H1N1, H3N2, H2N3 may circulate. This virus
spreads more during temperature drop and can assume epidemic proportions by rapid spread via air and aerosols
especially in urban and semi-urban areas.
What causes swine flu?
The influenza illness/swine flu(H1N1) is a respiratory disease caused by Type A Influenza Virus and spreads
from person to person through coughing, sneezing or through aerosols/fomites.
Influenza viruses infect the cells lining your nose, throat and lungs. The virus enters your body when you inhale
contaminated droplets or transfer live virus from a contaminated surface to your eyes, nose or mouth.
Though H1N1 is called swine flu, you can t catch swine flu from eating pork. H1N1 is harbored (carried) in pigs
and spreads to humans through animal-human interaction. However, further transmission from human to
human is very common.
Dr Anshum Aneja Arora, Chest Specialist, Gurgaon says,The common symptoms suggestive of flu syndrome are

Fever, Cough, Sore throat, Runny or stuffy nose, Body ache, Headache, Chills, Fatigue, Diarrhoea and
Vomiting. Symptoms develop about one to three days after exposure to the virus and continue for about seven days.
Dr Mohit Lathar, Internal Medicine Specialist, Gurgaon shared with us latest updates on the diagnosis of Swine Flu
-The CDC criteria for suspected H1N1 influenza are as follows
Onset of acute febrile respiratory illness within 7 days of close contact with a person who has a confirmed case of
H1N1 influenza A virus infection, or
Onset of acute febrile illness within 7 days of travel to a community (within the United States or internationally) where
one or more H1N1 influenza A cases have been confirmed,
or Acute febrile respiratory
illness in a person who resides in a community where at least one H1N1 influenza
case has been confirmed.
The Human Influenza Virus Real-Time RT-PCR Detection and Characterization Panel (rRT-PCR Flu Panel) is an in
vitro laboratory diagnostic test that can provide results within 4 hours. It is the only in vitro diagnostic test for influenza
that is cleared by the FDA for use with lower respiratory tract specimens .
The kit utilizes a 3-module design and can Identify and distinguish between influenza A and B viruses, Classify
influenza A viruses by subtype, and Detect highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H5N1) virus infection in human
respiratory tract specimens.
DOCTORS ADVICECover mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
Wash hands with soap, or use sanitizer.
Drink plenty of water and have nutritious food.
Avoid handshakes/contact greetings.
Dont spit in open.
Avoid self-medicating.
Take care of personal hygiene, use masks and avoid going to crowded places
If you are suffering with high grade fever, immediately consult a specialist.
Take time to get a flu vaccine- Everyone 6 months of age and older should get a flu vaccine as soon as
the current seasons vaccines are available.
Vaccination of High risk persons Young children, kidney disease, blood disorders, Diabetes ,
Immuno-compromised , long term steroid treatment pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions
like asthma, diabetes or heart and lung disease and people 65 years and older.

Dr Anshum Aneja Arora , remarks on what the patient and family should know, and when to seek medical help. Most
patients recover after mild illness( runny nose/sore throat); Not everyone needs medication /lab testing. Patients must
seek medical care if fever is high ( >102 deg F or 39 deg celcius) or associated with severe cough/breathing difficulty
As a preventive step for other family members, use a mask /keep mouth covered if symptoms increase. If you belong
to any of high risk group, seek EARLY MEDICAL ATTENTION; your doctor may advise testing and prescribe
antivirals.
Dr Mohit Lathar and Dr Anshum Aneja put special emphasis on the

RED FLAG SIGNS Breathlessness, chest pain, fall in BP, drowsiness, blood tinged sputum, Bluish coloration of
nails, worsening of underlying condition. Urgent medical care is required in such scenario.
.
Dr Mohit Lathar is an Internal Medicine Specialist in Gurgaon, and currently practicing at Safe Hands Hospital.
Dr Anshum Aneja Arora is a Pulmonologist & Chest Specialist in Gurgaon. She is currently affiliated to Aro Health,
HCL Healthcare & Miracles Mediclinic.
To know more about our team of doctors, please visit http://medclapp.com/team/