What is the best way to keep from spreading the virus through coughing or sneezing?

->If you are sick, limit your contact with other people as much as possible. Do not go to work or school if ill.

->Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. Put your used tissue in the waste basket.

->Cover your cough or sneeze if you do not have a tissue. Then, clean your hands, and do so every time you cough or sneeze.

In children emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

->Fast breathing or trouble breathing

->Bluish skin color

->Not drinking enough fluids

->Not waking up or not interacting

->Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held

->Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough Fever with a rash

What should I do if I get sick?

If you live in areas where swine influenza cases have been identified and become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, you may want to contact their health care provider, particularly if you are worried about your symptoms. Your health care provider will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed.

If you are sick, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others.

If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs (next 2 slides), seek emergency medical care.

What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?

->Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

->Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.

->Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. The virus can spread this way.

->Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

->If you get sick with influenza, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

How long can viruses live outside the body?

->We know that some viruses and bacteria can live 2 hours or longer on surfaces like cafeteria tables, doorknobs, and desks.

->Frequent hand washing will help you reduce the chance of getting contamination from these common surfaces.

What surfaces are most likely to be sources of contamination?

->The virus can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with the virus and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.

->Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air. The virus can then be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk, doorknob, child’s toy or phone handset and then touches their own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands.

Are there medicines to treat swine flu?

->Yes. The US CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir (Tamiflu®) or zanamivir (Relenza®) for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with these swine influenza viruses.

->Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body.

->If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications.

->For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within 2 days of symptoms).

Is there a vaccine for Pandemic Flu?

->Because the virus is new, there will be no vaccine ready to protect against pandemic flu.

->Vaccine against Swine Flu virus H1N1 needs at least 6-12 months to be produced.

->Seasonal flu vaccine or past flu immunization will not provide protection.

How long can an infected person spread swine flu to others?

->People with swine influenza virus infection should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are symptomatic and possible for up to 7 days following illness onset.

->Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods.

How can someone with the flu infect someone else?

->Infected people may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 7 or more days after becoming sick.

->That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.

How are human infections with swine influenza diagnosed?

->To diagnose swine influenza A infection, a respiratory specimen would generally need to be collected within the first 4 to 5 days of illness (when an infected person is most likely to be shedding virus).

->However, some persons, especially children, may shed virus for 10 days or longer.

->Identification as a swine flu influenza A virus requires sending the specimen to a hospital laboratory for testing.

How does swine flu spread?

->Spread of this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads.

->Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza.

->Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with live flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

What are the signs and symptoms of swine flu in people?

->The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue.

->Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with swine flu infection in people.

->Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.

Is the current swine flu virus contagious?

->Various international agencies (US Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, World Health Organization) have determined that this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human.

->WHO has escalated the world Pandemic Phase from Phase 3 to Phase 4 (in a 6-scale Phase), indicating that a worldwide pandemic due to swine flu H1N1 is possible.

What is swine flu?

->Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by Type A influenza viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs.


->Swine flu viruses have been reported to spread from person-to-person, but in the past, this transmission was limited and not sustained beyond three people.

SWINE FLU WEB SOURCES FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Information and advice on H1N1 flu can be found at websites of leading health and research organizations around the world.

1. WHO: The World Health Organization (http://www.who.intl) gives background information on the virus.

2. United Kingdom: The UK's government services website (http://www.direct.gov.uk) is carrying regularly updated health and travel information. The Health Protection Agency

(http://www.hpa.org.uk) advises the public about what to do if returning from an affected area. NHS Choices (http://www.nhs.uk) outlines how H1N1 flu is different from other flu.

3. European Union: The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (http://www.ecdc.europa.eu) is another good source of information.

4. USA: The US government's Centre for Disease Control (http://www.cdc.gov) is counting the number of cases in the US.

5. India: Government of India has taken a series of steps to detect and stop the spread of this virus in the country, and updates can be found on Ministry of Health & Family Welfare official website

(http://www.mohfw.nic.in).

Swine Flu - Advisory

In continuation with our previous mails, we would like to highlight the developments in India on the above subject.

* The number of swine flu cases in India has now gone up to 597 (Source : Sify News - August 5, 2009)
* Maximum number of cases in Delhi and Pune
* The first death case reported in Pune - Maharashtra Govt. invokes the Epidemic Act in Pune & Satara Districts.


The pandemic of the 21st Century was perceived as 'mild' in India till the first death was reported from Pune causing concerns for one and all.

Given below is the list of hospitals in India treating Swine Flu .

There are only 8 hospitals across India where treatment for Swine Flu is currently available.

Bangalore
Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Chest Diseases
Near NIMHANS, Hombegowda Nagar
Bangalore-560029
+91-80-26632634
+91-80-26631923

Chandigarh
Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGI),
Sector 12, Chandigarh-160012
+91-172-2747585
+91-172-2746018
+91-172-2756565

Chennai
Communicable Diseases Hospital
No 187, Thiruvottiyur High Road
Near Apollo Hospital, Tondiarpet
Chennai-600081
+91-44-25912686
+91-44-25912687
+91-44-25912688

Hyderabad
Govt Chest Hospital
E S I Hospital Road, S R Nagar
Erragadda, Hyderabad-500018
+91-40-23814421
+91-40-23814422

Kolkata
Beliaghata Id Hospital
57 Beliaghata Main Road
Kolkata-700010
+91-33-23701251
+91-33-23701252
+91-33-23601251
+91-33-23601252

Mumbai
Kasturba Hospital
Sane Guruji Road
Jacob Circle
Opp Arthur Road Jail
Mahalaxmi, Mumbai-400011
+91-22-23083901
+91-22-23054831
+91-22-23004325

Delhi
Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital
Ward No 5, Baba Kharak Singh Marg
Connaught Place-110001
+91-11-23921401
+91-11-24525211

Pune
Naidu Hospital
Near Le Meridian Hotel
Raja Bahadur Mill, Pune GPO
Pune-411001
+91-20-26058243
+91-20-26058842

How to Protect Yourself and Others from swine flu.

Following are given points

-> Covers your nose and mouth with a disposable tissue when coughing and sneezing.

-> Dispose of used tissues properly immediately after use.

-> Regularly wash hands with your soap and water.

-> if you have flu-like symptoms, seek medical advice immediately.

->If you have flu-like symptoms, keep a distance of at least one meter from other people.

->If you have flu-like symptoms, stay home from work, school or crowded places.

->Avoid hugging, kissing and shaking hands when greeting.

->Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.

Which types of masks might be used in a possible influenza pandemic? How are they to be used?

The following two main types of masks can be used in a possible influenza pandemic :

Surgical masks:
These masks can be fit loosely around the face and so as to allow the air
to escape on either side. Surgical masks are disposable and should be
used only once, by one person.

N95 or P2 Respirators (known as filtering face- pieces):
These masks can be sealed tightly onto the face, so most air passes through the masks upon inhalation. Respirators may be worn by individuals at risk of exposure to a respiratory hazard.

Why to use Personal Protective Equipments (PPE) and specifically surgical Masks?

Use of Personal Protective Equipments (PPE) and specifically surgical
masks will help in :

• Reducing a healthy person’s chance of becoming infected with flu by
preventing the virus from getting into the mouth or nose.

• Help in preventing infected people from spreading illness to others.

How can I help prevent the virus from spreading?

The virus can be prevented from spreading by -

· Use of Personal Protective Equipments (PPE) such as: surgical
masks, gloves, gowns, eye protection as well as other equipment more
commonly worn by medical stuff

· Use of tissues to cover the nose and the mouth when coughing or
sneezing. If a tissue is not available, it is preferably to cover the nose
and mouth with the upper sleeve. Do NOT use your hands, since one
can easily pass on an infection by touching shared objects (doorknobs,
copy machines, microwaves)

· Disposal of used tissues in the nearest waste respectable

· Washing one’s hands after covering a cough or sneeze

· Sitting at least 1 meter (3 feets) away from coughing individuals, in
common areas

· Not shaking hands with people when in public area, if one is sick

Since washing or our hands can prevent infection, how often should we wash our hands?

It is recommended that we wash for at least 10-20 seconds :
– After coughing or sneezing
– After touching animals or animal waste
– Prior to eating
– After using bathroom
– Before during and after food preparation
– After touching the nose or mouth
– After changing diapers/ nappies
– Whenever hands are dirty
– After touching your shoes
– During pandemic, also wash after touching shared objects (phone,
desks, etc… )

What measures should we take to prevent infection?

To prevent infection, we can do the following :

1. Practice good hygiene

· Wash one’s hands frequently with soap and water
· Use a tissue when one coughs or sneezes
· Stay away from others when one is sick
· Developing good hygiene habits now could help in the event
of influenza pandemics

2. Be ready for an emergency

· Store a two-week supply of water and food
· Have prescription and nonprescription drugs and other
health supplies on hand, including pain relievers and cold
medicines

3. Know your community and workplace plans
· Find out what the elected officials, workplace, school,
congregation and other community groups are doing to
prepare for influenza pandemic

Can the influenza virus (H1N1) be contained?

The virus appears already to have started to spread around the world, and
most experts believe that containment of the virus in the era of readily
available air travel will be extremely difficult.

Can Swine Flu be treated ?

The US authorities say that 2 drugs commonly used to treat flu, Tamiflu
and Relenza, seem to be effective at treating cases that have occurred
there so far. However, the drug must be administered at an early stage to
be effective.

Use of these drugs may also make it less likely that effected people will
pass the virus onto others.

How does Swine Flu spread?

Swine Flu is mainly passed from person to person through “droplet”
transmission. This occurs when a sick person coughs or sneezes
contaminated droplets into the air, and a healthy person either inhales
them or gets them on their hands and then later transfers them to their
mouth, nose or eyes.

What are the symptoms of Swine Flu?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the
symptoms of swine flu, in humans, appear to be similar to those produced
by standard, seasonal flu.

These include fever, cough, sore throats, body aches, headache, chills
and fatigue.

The 2009 outbreak has shown an increased percentage of patients
reporting diarrhea and vomiting.

What are the symptoms of Swine Flu?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the
symptoms of swine flu, in humans, appear to be similar to those produced
by standard, seasonal flu.

These include fever, cough, sore throats, body aches, headache, chills
and fatigue.

The 2009 outbreak has shown an increased percentage of patients
reporting diarrhea and vomiting.

What is Swine Flu? Influenza virus H1N1

The swine flu is likely a descendant of the infamous “Spanish Flu” that
caused a devastating pandemic in humans in 1918–1919. Descendants of
this virus have persisted in pigs though direct transmission from pigs
(swine) to humans is rare.



The World Health Organization has confirmed that at least some of the
human cases are never-before-seen version of H1N1 strain of Influenza
Type A.



H1N1 is the same strain which causes seasonal outbreaks of flu in
humans on regular basis. But the latest strain of H1N1 is different: it
contains genetic material that is typically found in strains of the virus that
affect humans, birds and swine.



Flu viruses have the ability to swap genetic components with other
viruses, and it seems likely that the new version of H1N1 resulted from a
mixing of different versions of the virus, which may usually affect different
species, in the same animal host.

PROTECT YOURSELF & YOUR FAMILY FROM SWINE FLU

SYMPTOMS

-> Similar to the Symptoms of Seasonal Flu
-> Fever, Cough, Sore Throat,
-> Runny or Stuffy Nose,
-> Body Aches, Headache,
-> Chills and Fatigue.
-> Diarrhea and Vomiting.

PREVENTION

-> Cover your nose and mouth with a hanky when you cough or sneeze.
-> Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or
sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
-> Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
-> Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
-> Stay home if you are sick until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours,
This is to keep from infecting others and spreading the virus further.
-> Drink plenty of fluids & eat fresh, warm & nutritious food.
-> Consult your Doctor
-> To prevent the spread of influenza virus it is important to keep surfaces
(especially tables, surfaces in the bathroom, kitchen counters and toys for
children) clean by wiping them down with a household disinfectant.

Swine Flu Tips

This message to everyone u care , National Institute of Virology Scientific prevention of swine Flu using house hold Products .

1. Use Nilgiri oil drops on handkerchief- Inhale Clove oil ( Lavanga) for 1 sec ,
2. Chew 1 lavanga a day
3. Eat raw Garlic ,Onion,Ginger 1-5 gms
4. Drink hot milk with 2gm of Turmeric
5. Consume plenty of Vit C Fruits
6. Avoid alcohol consumption.


save yourself and your family.

Important News for AMWAY LEADERS - Swine Flu

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