Minor fever with breathlessness can be swine flu: IMA

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) Friday issued a set of guidelines to tackle swine flu and urged citizens not to neglect minor cases of fever with breathlessness.

It said in its guidelines that the matter is important as the current seasonal influenza vaccines are not expected to provide protection against human infection with avian or swine flu viruses.

"However, reducing seasonal influenza risk through vaccination might reduce the theoretical risk for recombination of influenza viruses of animal origin," it said in a statement.

The guidelines were launched by IMA president Marthanda Pillai and secretary general K.K. Aggarwal here Thursday.

According to the IMA, a total of 10 deaths in Hyderabad and one death in Delhi have occurred due to swine flu so far.

Delhi has reported 39 cases of Swine flu since last year.

According to the IMA, swine flu can have symptoms like fever, coryza, cough, sore throat and body aches. It may last for one-two weeks.

However, occasionally, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and rash may also occur.

The government has designated both government and private labs to test the presence of virus, it said.

"The government has also set a control room - 23061469. People, for any kind of information on swine flu, can contact it," it said.

It said that swine flu can be prevented by adhering to cough and respiratory hygiene.

One should avoid coughing over hands or handkerchief and use a disposable paper instead.

"Frequently hand wash should be done if hands get contaminated with any secretions," it said.

"People should avoid touching face, mouth and nose with dirty hands, avoid touching or having close proximity with any person who is coughing or has cold, and avoid shaking hands. Patients, who have symptoms should stay indoors and avoid crowded places," it said.