Swine flu (Novel Influenza A (H1N1) has been spreading the continents.
When Mexico reported the first H1N1, there was not such a fear as it is now. Within few days H1N1 crossed the borders. Now, around 100 countries have reported swine flu cases. In Mexico alone the flu death crossed 115 and confirmed 7,847 suspected cases.
| Other worst hit countries are United Stated, Canada, Britian, Australia, Japan, and China. World Health Organization (WHO) has warned the nations to be cautious of the spreading virus. WHO states that even though the virus is spreading, WHO and all the health authorities around the world are well-prepared to face any situation. WHO has confirmed more than 55,867cases of H1N1 and 238 deaths so far.
But when the new flu turned as a pandemic, the fear of public also doubled. Tourists have cancelled vacation trips to affected destinations like Mexico, Australia, and America. People are frightened to go for festivals and crowded places. Airline ticket fare is coming down to H1N1 affected destinations. But still passengers are trying to avoid a risk. In Malaysia health authorities have ordered the closure of schools immediately after the outbreak of swine flu there. |
H1N1 testing at Calicut airport : The passengers coming from foreign countries have to undergo testing for swine fever at airports. A special counter has been opened to monitor all passengers using a thermometer to assess their body temperature to rule out fever. A questionnaire cum declaration is issued onboard along with immigration form. Passengers arriving at international terminal have to fill the form, providing information on their recent fever data; especially during the last ten days. Passengers have to declare whether they have traveled the swine fever affected countries. The medical officials at the counter would verify the filled in application and check the body temperature. The confirmed application forms should be submitted at the emigration counter later. |
The Philippines closed down the lower house of Congress for five days and sent workers home after the outbreak of the flu.
The swine flu has been reported in India, Qatar, Oman, Laos, Papua New Guinea and South Africa recently.
Fourteen cases are reported in Qatar. All the infected people have been stable and improved. Twelve of the cases have completed their quarantine period and recovered. An American ten year old boy who came from USA, eight year old Jordanian girl came from Canada, two Indian boys (ten months, two year old) who had close contacts with Australian infected boys who came from Melbourne, are the recent H1N1 cases of Qatar.
Couple in Chennai who came from Canada is the recent case of H1N1 in India. Mother and daughter in Bangalore who came from New York were H1N1 positive and now almost recovered, according to health authorities. Two air passengers from Dubai and America are also under observation in isolated wards in Kozhikode, Kerala. Sixty four cases of H1N1 have been clinically reported in India according to World Health Organization. Three cases are reported in Oman and Health Ministry is monitoring the developments.
Vaccinating children aged six months to 18 years may be the best way of using limited supplies to control the pandemic according to a study by Britain’s Warwick University. Schools are the epic centers of all kinds of flu including H1N1.Children are the most risky group for contracting the disease.
Many countries are organizing campaigns, medical camps, targeting children and their parents against the spread of H1N1 virus. WHO Director-General Dr Margaret Chan had said at the initial outbreak beginning of the flu, “the world is watching it unfold in real time and much of humanity is taking part in a real-time experiment.”
Symptoms
Qatar Communicable Disease Control Section has released information on swine flu.
Influenza-like-illness (ILI) is defined as fever (temperature of 100°F [37.8°C] or greater) and a cough and/or a sore throat in the absence of a KNOWN cause other than influenza.
A confirmed case of novel flu A (H1N1) virus infection is defined as a person with an influenza-like illness with laboratory confirmed novel influenza A (H1N1) virus infection by one or more tests like real-time RT-PCR and viral culture.
Flu Infection is caused by germs. Some germs can be breathed in. Others can enter through the eyes, nose, or mouth. A cut or scrape can provide an opening for germs. If you have germs on your hands and then touch your mouth, nose or eyes, it is possible to infect yourself. Hand washing in short breaks is highly recommended by health authorities to prevent the spread of virus.
Advice from health experts
Suspected people are advised to wear N95 mask and take rest. Big companies with accommodation camp and mess hall for hundreds of employees have been suggested to use disposable dishes that can be discarded. All utensils, bedding and clothing in contact with the sick person should be handled carefully as if the virus were on them. Clean items in the room with a 10% bleach solution (made by combining 1 ounce of bleach with 9 ounces of water) or other disinfectant. The health authorities suggest to clean bathroom faucets and sink with 10% bleach or disinfectant wipes after the sick person has used them.
Managing the pandemic
Making sure the person is drinking enough water and taking food as tolerated. The Health Authorities advise using anti-pyretic (fever reducing) medications to relieve fever such as Acetaminophen or non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
The epidemic caused panic on common men. Many exaggerated stories and non-confirmed reports are also being spread along with officially declared information.
People, suffering seasonal influenza who wears masks are noted by public with skepticism. The screening at major airports against the flu also cause make annoyance to passengers. Travelers having common flu are also worried about the medical examination.
Meanwhile, Qatar Health Ministry has cautioned people against using Tamiflu, an ante-viral flu medicine without proper diagnosis. It is learnt that many residents, planning tour to affected regions have purchased the vaccine from medical shops. However, medical experts say Tami flu has been recommended as prophylaxis (procedure whose purpose is to prevent rather than treat or cure a disease).
Cases so far – Posted on July 08, 2009
| Sl no | Nativity of the person | Male/female | Flew down from | Screening airport | Status | Treatment particulars |
| 1 | 7th July 2009
Malapuram Changaramkulam |
Male | Dubai | Calicut | Suspected | |
| 2 | Palakkad | Male | London | Calicut | Infected | under treatment at Beach hospital, Calicut |
| 3 | Kaduthuruthy, Kottayam | Male | Latin America | Infected | under treatment at perumbavooor taluk hospital | |
| 4 | Kannur | Female with 4 children | Dubai | Calicut | Infected, | under treatment at Beach hospital |
| 5 | Harippad | Male | Qatar | Under observation | ||
| 6 | Pathanamthitta-rani | Male | America | Under observation | ||
| 7 | Kochi-padamughal | Female | Canada | Under observation | ||
| 8 | Ernakulam | Female with son | Cured, left hospital | |||
| 9 |
29th June 2009 Kottayam |
Teacher | Canada | Infected | Under treatment at Perumbavooor taluk hospital | |
| 10 | New York | Suspected since 29th | Aluva taluk hospital | |||
| 11 | 3 others | Under treatment at Perumbavooor taluk hospital | ||||
| 12 | Ernakulam | Mother and son | Britain | Nedumbassery | Infected | |
| 13 | Kannur | Woman | Abu Dhabi | Calicut | Infected |
