The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : H1N1 prevalence and precautions

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Thursday, Jul 01, 2010
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

H1N1 prevalence and precautions

H1N1 flu, also known as Swine Flu, refers to the virus that has spread to humans.

Swine Flu is very contagious among swine and can make some domesticated pigs very sick. It is now seen that H1N1 spreads from person to person. The recent infections are caused by a new strain of the swine flu virus known as Type A, subtype H1N1 and hence the name Influenza A H1N1 or simply H1N1 flu.

Flu viruses spread mainly from person to person when infected people cough or sneeze. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

People may have diarrhea and vomiting associated with H1N1 flu. Patients who have chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, congestive heart failure, etc. may observe a worsening of their medical conditions.

Certain antiviral drugs are approved for human influenza viruses would work in treating H1N1 influenza infection in humans. Antiviral drugs are prescription medications that can help the flu by keeping viruses from reproducing in the body. These may be pills, liquids or inhalers.

Antiviral medications are currently recommended only for those patients with moderate or server illness from H1N1 flu. Most people get better without antiviral medicines. Antiviral medications must be taken within 48 hours after symptoms appear. They may diminish the symptoms, but they may not make the symptoms go away entirely.

Vaccines are developed to protect against the H1N1 flu virus. Those who are at higher risk of complications from H1N1 should preferentially receive the vaccines.

To prevent H1N1 Wash hands often with soap and water, particularly before eating and after sneezing or coughing, when somebody sneezes or coughs, cover your mouth and nose with elbow or sleeve or a tissue.

Wash hands after sneezing or coughing, to avoid close contact with sick people and avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

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