Demystifying the H1N1 virus

Panic seems to have gripped the country as the number of cases of H1N1, or swine flu, are on the rise. But, what exactly is theH1N1 virus?

Dr Sherebanu Milky, a homeopath, explains, "Before 2009, it was said that people who were in close contact with pigs contracted the virus, but that's not the case anymore. It is now a rapidly-spreading air-borne disease that has been termed a pandemic. It's symptoms are like the common cold, such as sore throat, body ache, fever, fatigue, malaise, cough and runny nose. If not treated on time, this can lead to respiratory problems."

Dr Milky adds, "H1N1 can be treated with an anti-viral, but not antibiotics. To prevent swine flu, one should maintain personal hygiene and ensure that his/her surroundings are clean. Those most prone to the disease are kids aged around five and six, adults who are 65 years and above, people suffering from diseases like cancer, and pregnant women. One needs to have good immunity to keep this disease at bay."

Dr Oliver Rodrigues, a specialist in family medicine, says, "Everybody is panicking because it's being reported more often now in newspapers. Swine flu spreads the same way as any other cold and cough. If anyone in the family is diagnosed with H1N1, then others also need to be tested for it. If you have a cough, get it checked by a doctor, and if you don't feel better even after taking the prescribed medicines, then the doctor will ask for an H1N1 test."

SYMPTOMS
-Cough
-Fever
-Sore throat
-Stuffy or runny nose
-Body ache
-Headache
-Chills
-Fatigue

TREATMENT
-The H1N1 virus can be treated with anti-virals
-The infected person should be kept in isolation

PRECAUTIONS
-Contain your cough and always cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing
-Sanitize your hands and wash them regularly
-Use disposable tissues instead of handkerchiefs
-Disinfect your house regularly
-Try and avoid using public toilets as far as possible
-If required, wear a mask when you travel out of the house as H1N1 is an air-borne disease
-Flu shots are recommended for kids and the elderly
-Incorporate tulsi in your regular diet in different forms to boost immunity

MYTHS ABOUT SWINE FLU
-Swine flu is transmitted through pork products
-There is no cure for swine flu
-A person can get H1N1 only once in their life
-Antibiotics can fight the flu
-The virus is dangerous only in the elderly