FAQ on Prevention and Treatment of Swine Flu

Common Doubts about the Novel H1N1 Influenza

Aug 16, 2009 Hanish Babu

Common doubts and frequently asked questions on the prevention and treatment of swine flu caused by the novel H1N1 virus are discussed here.

Swine flu is causing a public health scare around the world. There are many doubts in the minds of the lay public regarding the spread, preventive aspects and treatment options of the novel H1N1 flu.

What are the Common Precautions to be Taken to Avoid Catching the Novel H1N1 Flu?

• To avoid catching the swine flu, avoid crowded places, unless absolutely necessary.
• Avoid contact with people suffering from flu symptoms. If you have to, keep a distance of more than 3 feet.
• If there is someone in your household who has flu symptoms, make him/her wear an H1N1 face mask (N95 respirators) and you also wear a mask at all times. Avoid touching the surfaces the patient may have touched. Avoid touching your nose, mouth or eyes unless you have washed your hands with soap and water or hand washes containing alcohol. Wipe door handles, books and table surfaces touched by the patient with antiseptic solutions. Avoid using the utensils, reading the same newspapers and the toilet that the patient might have used.
• Make the patient remain at home at least for 7 days of start of the fever.
• Warm saline gargles in the morning, at bed time, and immediately after returning from public places will help keep your throat germ free.
• When you go out in public places, avoid touching the hand railings and other surfaces as far as possible and carry hand sanitizers with alcoholic gel to keep your hands germ free.
• Avoid shaking hands as far as possible. Replace greetings with other popular gestures, like the ‘namasthe’, tipping of the hat or a half salute.

How long can an Infected Person Spread the Novel H1N1 Flu to Other People?

A patient can infect others with Novel H1N1 flu virus 1 day before the start of the symptoms and up to 5 to 7 days afterwards. This duration may be longer in children and those with low immunity. Affected persons should remain at home until after 1-2 days of the fever subsiding.

Is it Possible to Differentiate Novel H1N1 Flu and Seasonal Flu by the Symptoms?

Novel H1N1 flu symptoms and the ordinary seasonal flu symptoms are similar and include head ache, fever with chills, body pain, sore throat, sneezing, running nose, blocked nostrils, cough and general weakness. Feeling of nausea is common. In Novel H1N1 flu, diarrhea and vomiting is more common than the seasonal flu, though this can occur with ordinary flu also. Redness of eyes is also a feature in some patients of Novel H1N1 flu and seasonal flu. In short, it is not the symptoms, but circumstantial evidence and laboratory tests that would help differentiate the Novel H1N1 flu from other flu.

When Will the H1N1 Flu Vaccine Against the Swine Flu be Ready?

Vaccines against the H1N1 vaccine have already been manufactured and are under clinical trials in a number of countries including the United States and India. The vaccine should be ready for the public in a couple of months at the most. According to the Novel H1N1 Flu Vaccine Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practice (ACIP) of the CDC, preference for receiving the vaccine would be given to the high risk group when the vaccine is finally available.

Is There any Effective Treatment for the Novel H1N1 Flu?

CDC recommends two antiviral medicines oseltamivir (tamiflu) or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of the Novel H1N1 Flu. These medications may make the disease milder and prevent serious complications like pneumonia, especially in the high risk group. To be effective, the medication should be taken within 48 hours of the symptoms. Another advantage of taking medications is that it will reduce the spread of the disease.

If I Get Flu Like Symptoms, Should I be Taking Antiviral Medications Like Tamiflu?

If you belong to the high risk group and you have come in contact with suspected or proven Novel H1N1 flu cases or have been in situations (travel, crowded places) where you could have been infected, your doctor will prescribe the antiviral medication and send your nasal or throat swab for the Novel H1N1 virus testing. If the test is negative, you can discontinue the medication, or, if it is positive, you can take the full course for 5 days.

If, however, you are a normal healthy individual without any risk factors, you need only symptomatic treatment, rest and a balanced, nutritious diet to tide over the flu. Remaining at home is essential to avoid the spread of the flu.

A recent study by British scientists found that antiviral medications like tamivir helps reduce the total duration of the H1N1 flu by 1 to 2 days only. Hence caution is advised in the indiscriminate use of the medication in young healthy individuals.

Related Article

• Is the Novel H1N1 Flu a Life Threatening Disease?

Source

• CDC: Novel H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) and You

The copyright of the article FAQ on Prevention and Treatment of Swine Flu in General Medicine is owned by Hanish Babu. Permission to republish FAQ on Prevention and Treatment of Swine Flu in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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Aug 20, 2009 9:21 AM

Guest :

For prevention measure it was told that 'influenzen-200" (homeopathy) pills are there. dosage is 5pills twice a day for five days and then 5pills twice a day weekly once for two months.

Aug 20, 2009 12:05 PM

Hanish Babu :

Yes, very true! From last 30 years as a physician and dermatologist, I can vouch that homeopathy is very effective in diseases which are self limiting and can cure themselves.....

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