Hospitals, BMC and Citizens of Maharashtra need to work together to avoid another Swine flu outbreak: AOH

by Shrutee K/DNS

Mumbai, 16^th August, 2017: Swine flu which is a respiratory disease caused by influenza viruses hits back with an increase in the number of patients affected by the H1N1 virus in Maharashtra. The state has recorded the highest number of swine flu deaths in the country this year with a 13-fold rise from last year.

In such situations due to the rise in number of patients there should be adequate amenities in hospitals in order to serve the infected in a better way. The BMC and hospitals should together initiate awareness campaigns in order to create more and more awareness about the disease before it’s too late. The disease lasts about 3 to 7 days with more serious infections lasting about 9 to 10 days.

Dr. PM Bhujang, President, Association of Hospital while suggesting measures said, “The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the H1N1 pandemic over in August 2010. Since then, the H1N1 virus has been known as a regular human flu virus. Swine flu, also known as the H1N1 virus, is a relatively new strain of an influenza virus that causes symptoms similar to the regular flu. One of the many reasons for the cause of the spread is changing climate and the fluctuating temperatures in the state and city.  Vaccination facilities, availability of medicines should be made available so that infected can get immediate treatment. Like the regular flu, swine flu can lead to more serious problems including pneumonia, a lung infection, and other breathing problems. And it can make an illness like diabetes or asthma worse. A collaborative effort by the BMC, hospitals and the masses is a must so that this virus does not spread at the pace at which it is infecting people. ”

The symptoms of Swine Flu are pretty much the same as seasonal flu.  An individual should consult a doctor and get themselves checked if they are having any of these conditions: Cough, Fever, Sore Throat, Stuffy or runny nose, Body aches, Headache, Chills and Fatigue. Some people are at higher risk for becoming seriously ill if they’re infected with swine flu. These groups include:

Adults over age 65

Children under 5 years old

Young adults and children under age 19 who are receiving long-term aspirin (Bufferin) therapy

People with compromised immune systems (due to a disease such as AIDS)

Pregnant women

People with chronic illnesses such as asthma, heart disease, diabetes mellitus, or neuromuscular disease

Highlighted below are some precautionary steps one should take to recover and avoid the spread of the disease:

First and foremost one should immediately consult a doctor to avoid delay in treatment

Wash hands constantly to avoid swine flu. Anything you touch may be affected, so keeping hands clean will help you avoid infection. 

Avoid close contact with anyone who is coughing, sneezing, or has other flu symptoms.

If you have knowledge of a swine flu case in your community avoid large group gatherings and public transportation

Make sure you take rest and have plenty of fluids and healthy food

Don’t take medicines without the doctor’s prescription

Avoid travelling if you have flu symptoms

If you contract the virus get to the doctor immediately and doctors may prescribe Tamiflu or Relenza. These antiviral medicines will halt the progression of H1N1 or Swine flu virus

About Association of Hospital: The Association of Hospitals has been formed under the Memorandum dated August 6, 1985 and is registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. The Association is also registered under Maharashtra Public Trust Act, 1950 as Public Charitable Trust with the office of Charity Commissioner, Maharashtra State. Presently there are 50 members of the Association and all of them are Public Charitable Trust Hospitals registered under Maharashtra Public Trust Act, 1950 with the concerned offices of Charity Commissioner, Maharashtra State depending upon the Jurisdiction. The members being not-for-profit charitable hospitals render yeomen service to the public and bear a major share of healthcare service to the people.