Is the swine flu ( H1N1)panic real ?
Experienced Paediatrician Dr Rajkumar says
Definitely the situation is not as serious as it was in 2009-10, the random cases being diagnosed are not a case for concern,the H1N1 virus has not mutated from the past outbreak(2010) which is a good news, but a few precautions need to be kept in mind..
The most vulnerable are children <5yrs and older people (>60 yrs).For children, vaccination is the best recourse to prevent from getting the infection, 2 types of vaccines are available - nasal spray & injectable.
Nasal vaccine protects only against swine flu but the injectable vaccine protects against other types of flu also. Advantage of injectable vaccine is it can be given from 6 months of age. Nasal vacc can be given only after 2 yrs, but it offers both local and systemic immunity.WHO recommends annual vaccination for (in order of priority):
-nursing-home residents (the elderly or disabled)
-elderly individuals
-people with chronic medical conditions
-other groups such as pregnant women, health care workers,
those with essential functions in society, as well as children from
ages six months to two years..Center for Disease Control (CDC) advises to do the following personal hygiene measures :
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. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
Hand washing at any temperature is an effective way to prevent yourself from contracting H1N1 virus.
