Swine flu cases emerges in Assam: Here are some precautionary measures to follow

Four people are apparently still undergoing treatment in Cachar, while one 1.5-year-old child has died from the swine flu in Hailakandi.

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Health department officials are using Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA), Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANM), and other frontline workers to investigate whether the virus has spread to other parts of the district in response to multiple cases of swine flu infections—including one fatality—reported in Assam’s Barak Valley.
In a conversation with HT Lifestyle, Dr Subrata Das, HOD, Internal Medicine and Diabetology at Sakra World Hospital in Bengaluru, said, “The swine flu outbreak in Assam has raised concerns, as symptoms resemble those of the common flu, including fever, sore throat, cough, runny or stuffy nose, headache, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Severe cases may lead to breathlessness and complications such as pneumonia and low oxygen levels.”

Assam: Health department probes suspected swine flu cases in Hailakandi

He recommended, “Precautions against swine flu are similar to those for Covid-19, emphasising the importance of wearing masks, frequent hand washing, disinfecting surfaces and maintaining overall hygiene. Additionally, individuals are advised to cover their nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing, avoid touching their face, and steer clear of sick individuals. If feeling unwell, it’s recommended to stay home to prevent further spread of the virus. Adults need to receive the annual flu vaccine, which shields them against severe complications of flu.”

H1N1 is merely one of the influenza virus types that cause H1N1 flu, which is frequently referred to as “swine flu” because it was first discovered in pigs. With symptoms resembling those of the common human flu, the virus is highly contagious and spreads among people swiftly.

Precautionary measures

Swine flu outbreak in Assam, 13-month-old girl dies; several others hospitalised - Hindustan Times

1. Stay updated – when it comes to infectious diseases, it is essential to rely on reliable medical information for awareness.

2. Cover your face with a mask – Using a tissue to cover one’s mouth and nose when they sneeze or cough. After using the tissue, make sure to dispose of it safely and promptly.

3. Cleanliness – Frequently using hand sanitizers or washing hands with soap and water

4. Social distancing- Steer clear of individuals who are visibly or suspectively ill.

5. Isolation measures: To stop it from spreading to other people.

6. Vaccination – Above all, yearly influenza vaccinations lower the incidence and severity of H1N1.

 

Note: This article is for informational purposes only. 

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