FACTS SHEET – INFLUENZA A (H1N1)
• What is influenza – A(H1N1)
Influenza – A (H1N1) (earlier know as swine flu) is a new influenza virus causing
illness in people. First detected in Mexico in April, 2009, it has spread to many
countries in the World. Swine flu is basically a misnomer. This was originally
referred to as “swine flu” because laboratory testing showed that many of the
genes in this new virus were very similar to those found in pigs in North America.
Further on, it has been found that this new virus has gene segments from the
swine, avian and human flu virus genes. The scientists calls this a ‘quadruple
reassortant” virus and hence this new (novel) virus is christened “influenza-A
(H1N1) virus.”
• Influenza A(H1N1) outbreak
It is causing
an epidemic among humans in Mexico and has spread to a large
number of country.
• Is it safe to take pork items?
Pigs have nothing to do with this disease. Pork products are absolutely safe if
properly cooked. There is no need to cull pigs. Do not panic if some pigs die in
the community due to natural disease.
• Is this flu virus contagious?
Influenza A (H1N1) virus is contagious and spreading from human to human.
• What are the signs and symptoms of influenza-A (H1N1) in people?
The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular
seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills
and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with
influenza-A (H1N1)
• How does influenza-A (H1N1) spread?
Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through droplets created
while coughing or sneezing by a person infected with the influenza-A (H1N1).
• How can someone with the flu infect someone else? Infected person may be able to infect others beginning one day before symptoms
develop and up to seven or more days after becoming sick.
• How to keep away from getting the flu?
First and most important: Follow simple steps as cough etiquettes (covering
mouth & nose with handkerchief or tissue paper while coughing), stay at least an
arm’s length from persons coughing or sneezing, avoid gathering and wash your
hands frequently. Try to stay in good general health. Get plenty of sleep, be
physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious
food.
• Are there medicines to treat this flu?
Yes. Necessary medicines in sufficient quantity are available. As there is no
confirmed case as yet, the Government has in the designated hospitals stored
medicines if required. It is strongly advisable not to take medicines of your own,
as it will lower your immunity.
• What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?
(a) Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
(b) Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or
sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
(c) Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
(d) Try to avoid close contact with people having respiratory illness.
(e) If one gets sick with influenza, one must stay at home, away from work or
school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
However, if one is having any respiratory distress, one should report to a
nearby hospital.
• What steps Government of India taking to prevent outbreak of this flu in India?
(1) The strategy is basically to detect early cases among the passengers
coming from the affected countries either by air, road or ship.
(2) The Government has launched a massive mass media campaign to
inform and educate people on dos and do nots.
(3) Sharing information with public through media.
APPEAL
People who have traveled from the affected countries in the past ten days and
show symptoms of influenza A (H1N1) like fever, cough, sore throat and
difficulty in breathing should immediately contact the telephone number given
below or the nearby Government Hospital. IMPORTANT CONTACT NUMBERS:
Outbreak Monitoring Cell (Control Room, NICD): 011-23921401
Important Websites:
www.mohfw.nic.in; www.nicd.nic.in
source:PIB PRESS RELEASE.
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