Swine flu: Helpline activated in Jammu and Kashmir

To make people aware of swine flu and its preventive measures, the health authorities in Jammu and Kashmir have started a helpline number.

Shazia, a health volunteer, said the helpline has helped control the panic situation in the state.

"The response has been very good ever since it started on the 20th and day by day, it is increasing. It has helped control the growing panic among people. We get calls from people having even light cold and we guide them what they should do and what preventive measures they can take," she said.

She also added that the authorities have received around 260 calls, some even from Gujarat.

According to reports, the H1N1 virus has caused more than 800 deaths in the country this year. Six people have died due to the flu in Jammu and Kashmir and nearly 140 people have been tested positive for the virus.

Meanwhile, Director, Health Services, Kashmir, Dr Saleem-ur Rehman, said besides assisting people through the helpline, they were also putting up posters and distributing pamphlets.

"People are being made aware by providing them information on posters, pamphlets, radio and TV. We have put up posters outside hospitals and have been distributing pamphlets as well telling them about do's and don'ts. Our helpline numbers have been highlighted everywhere. It is working from 8 am till 8 pm and some numbers remain available during night time," said Rehman.

Swine flu has led to the death of over 800 people across the country while 14,000 people have been affected by the H1N1 virus.

Swine flu is caused by H1N1 virus. Symptoms for swine flu include high fever, headache, muscle pain, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain and internal and external bleeding.