Combating Swine Flu – Myths, Symptoms, and Precautions

Swine Flu cases in the city have seen a sudden spike recently with almost 9 patients registered within the last 14 days at MB Hospital. The highly-contagious H1N1 virus is taking a toll on people’s lives as it spreads through the city with 2 positive cases within the last 2 days putting the health department in a fix.

For those unfamiliar with the widespread disease, H1N1 flu, also called the swine flu, is a respiratory disease that appears in pigs caused by a type of Influenza A-virus. People do not usually get swine flu but human infections saw a rise in 2009 as it became prevalent when a strain of swine flu infected many people around the world. It typically happens during the onset of winters. Swine Flu is a transmittable disease and the virus spreads usually through coughing, sneezing, or touching any bacteria-coated surface and then touching eyes or nose with those hands.

It is natural for people to be skeptical about it as every year many people succumb to death due to this very disease but there are certain myths that people normally believe in and are not generally true.

1. Swine flu has no cure

This is one big myth that makes people lose hope, which, to no surprise, is false. Oseltamivir (commonly sold under the name Tamiflu) has the ability to decrease the severity of the flu within 48 hours of the symptom appearing. It helps to prevent infection.

2. I’m young and strong, it cannot happen to me

Mind you! This is the biggest myth you could possibly have. Patients with ages as low as 30-40 have been admitted to hospitals and many have fallen seriously ill due to it. Rather than being over-confident, it would we wise if each one of us takes some precautions.

3. Swine flu happens just once

The H1N1 virus, like any other flu virus, may reoccur. Vaccination helps, but only lasts for a certain time period. You must keep this in mind and get re-vaccinated before it starts spreading.

4. Don’t eat pork, you might get infected!

Again, false! Despite the name, it has no relation whatsoever with the flesh of a pig. The virus spreads through bacteria expelled in the air through people coughing and sneezing.

5. Its just cough, it’ll go

Coughing and sneezing for prolonged periods isn’t good. You must visit the doctor to get it treated and if that doesn’t help either, no harm taking a test. Why regret later!?

Symptoms and precautions

You must visit the doctor if you happen to experience any of the below-mentioned flu symptoms :

High fever

Cough

Chest pain when you breathe

Nausea/vomiting

Breathlessness

Loss of appetite

Lethargy

Headache

It becomes fairly necessary to brace ourselves from this deadly disease. There are some simple things one should keep in mind to ensure the virus never comes close. It is imperative that you and the people around you follow these set of precautionary measures. Life is too precious to be wasted on a disease like this!

• Always cover your nose and mouth with a mask or tissue. Stack your house with masks and remember putting them on whenever you go out.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water and also keep a hand sanitizer with you.
• Avoid touching eyes and nose while you are out or when you have dirty hands. Germs spread this way!
• Try keeping a distance from people who are sick or are coughing and sneezing.
• Call in sick and take a leave, if you have to. No need to push it.
• Rush to the doctor, first thing, if you see any symptoms for an extended period.
• Vaccinations are not always effective, if you come in contact with the virus, rush to the doctor and ask for Tamiflu. These antiviral medicines halt the progress of this virus.

Comment below with your suggestions and ideas on how to combat this deadly disease.

Be clean, be safe!