INFLUENZA A (H1N1 VIRUS)

TACKLING SWINE FLU THREAT

Lots of reports from the press and electronic media are causing anxiety for many of those who are working in the hospital.   We can not say for certain how many cases of H1N1 infections may be in the community since there is no routine testing and counting of cases.    Also the rapid screening test provided by some health officials is at best of only 50% accurate.   For most of the people who do contact H1N1 virus treatment is the same with any respiratory illnesses i.e. drinking plenty of fluids, taking adequate rest, taking anti pyretics and analgesics for control of body pains and fever and staying in doors to avoid exposure.   Anti viral medications are not recommended for the majority of the people who are with H1N1 infection.   They are only reserved for those who are high risk including those with serious chronic diseases like Diabetes, Bronchial Asthma, COPD and poor immunological status.

The most important things that are to be practiced is good hygiene and remain quite and calm.   They must take care of their health by washing hands often with soap and water particularly after coughing and sneezing and cover the nose and mouth after coughing and sneezing and avoiding touching the nose and mouth.    If these precautions are taken they go long way in preventing the spread of H1N1 viral infection.   If any one is suffering with flu like illness with fever cough or respiratory symptoms along with severe body aches they are directed to contact the Emergency Medicine Physicians who are available in the casualty.   All those staff members who are working in this hospital are requested not to have any panic reaction or spread any suspicions or rumours in this regard.    Those staff members who are working in ICCU, SICU and other ICUs are requested to wear the surgical mask to prevent any air borne infections.   For any assistance they are requested to contact the Hospital Administrator Mr.P.S.N.V.K.Kishore.

   Anti viral drugs are also being made available in the hospital pharmacy.

                                                                                             (Dr.K.Anji Reddy)
                                                                                                                            Dean::NRIMC&GH

hospitaladmin@nrias.net