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Social media is abuzz with photographs of an unpainted Sonam Kapoor, the proof that even Bollywood starlets are not safe from the H1N1 influenza virus, colloquially known as swine flu, that has already claimed over 1,000 lives in the country in the past few weeks. Over 20,000 people have fallen prey in this fresh spate of infections, and with a rare rainstorm hitting most parts of north and central India this week, as well as some areas in the south of the country, there is a greater likelihood of more cases erupting.
The reason behind the 2015 swine flu epidemic, considered much worse than its 2009 predecessor, is how the H1N1 infection is akin to regular seasonal flu or "viral", and thus escapes early detection. Exhibiting similar symptoms of fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue, the virus is spread mainly from coming into contact with infected people. Sometimes people may also get infected by touching surfaces or objects infected with the flu virus and then touching their mouth or nose. An infected person runs the risk of infecting others from a day before he or she develops symptoms and up to seven or more days after becoming sick.
However, there are various methods of prevention available, with varying degrees of success. As far as protective gear is concerned, medical health professionals agree on the prudence of using a face mask for effective prevention. "Swine flu spreads through respiratory droplets that are transmitted by coughing, sneezing or inhaling. A simple mask can provide 62 per cent protection against these particles, compared to 98 per cent protection with a professional-grade N95 mask with 14 layers," says Srikant Sharma, consultant, internal medicine, Moolchand Medcity, New Delhi. Even family members and medical help tending to a patient should invest in these masks, and if the N95 mask is not available, two three-layered masks could also be used.
While health activists in the states are currently embroiled in a battle for making flu vaccinations mandatory for children, the state of the vaccines isn't much better in the country either. According to R K Singal, head of the internal medicine department at BLK Super Specialty Hospital, New Delhi, government guidelines have constantly fluctuated on the use of vaccines, and the fact that they are expensive (Rs 500-1,000) and in short supply only impedes their widespread use. "There are two types of vaccines for swine flu: injectable and intranasal. But these need to be taken before the onset of this influenza season, as the minimum time taken for the vaccine to be effective is three weeks," says Singal. Since we are nearing the end of the influenza season, barring the sudden drop in temperature and rise in moisture, he advises that the best thing to do is to follow other preventive methods and to get vaccinated later in the year, around October or November.
For most adult patients with confirmed or suspected H1N1 infection and those who need treatment, Singal recommends a neuraminidase inhibitor oral oseltamivir, 75 mg, twice a day for five days. Sharma suggests a thorough doctor's consultation, after which the patient can take antiviral drugs like Tamiflu and Relenza that have proved to be most effective if taken within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms. Patients are advised to stay indoors for at least a week from the first day of the onset of symptoms.
Singal lists a few dos and don'ts for the general public, everyday steps that can be taken to protect your health: Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. Wash your hands often with soap and warm water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth, since germs spread this way. In case you are sick with a flu-like illness, try to stay at home for a few days or for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone.
People can increase their immunity to safeguard themselves against an H1N1 infection by following simple tips like eating a well-balanced diet, including food rich in Vitamin C and E, dry fruits, high-protein food. Sharma advocates following a strict daily exercise regime, while consuming four basil leaves with water on an empty stomach every morning to help boost immunity.
