Varanasi: Health department on Saturday issued an alert and necessary guidelines for the prevention of swine flu, also known as Influenza-A/H1N1. Chief medical officer Dr N P Singh directed health officials to ensure preparedness at district-level hospitals and all Community Health Centres.The CMO instructed hospitals to reserve necessary beds and ensure availability of medicines used in the treatment of swine flu and directed regular monitoring of medical resources, testing facilities and treatment arrangements.Dr Singh said swine flu is a contagious respiratory disease that can spread through respiratory droplets released when an infected person coughs, sneezes or speaks. He stressed timely identification of symptoms and proper medical treatment are essential to prevent complications.Common symptoms of swine flu include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or blocked nose, headache, body and muscle pain, extreme fatigue and weakness. In some cases, vomiting or diarrhoea may also occur. Elderly people, young children, pregnant women and individuals already suffering from serious illnesses should seek immediate medical advice if symptoms appear.Health department advised people to cover their nose and mouth with a handkerchief or tissue while coughing or sneezing, wash hands regularly with soap and water or use hand sanitiser, avoid crowded places if they have fever or respiratory symptoms, and stay away from infected or sick persons. Used tissues should not be thrown in the open.People have also been advised to take adequate rest, drink sufficient fluids and avoid taking antibiotics or any other medicines without medical consultation.The CMO directed all officials and health centres in charge to ensure timely identification, medical examination, treatment and referral of people showing symptoms of swine flu. Details of such persons must be uploaded on the designated portal on time to ensure effective district-level monitoring and control of the disease.Dr Singh appealed to the public not to panic if symptoms appear and to seek timely medical advice. He urged people not to believe in rumours and to follow treatment only as advised by doctors. He said swine flu infection can be effectively controlled through caution, hygiene and timely treatment.Dos include washing hands frequently with soap, covering the mouth while coughing or sneezing, consulting a doctor if symptoms appear and taking proper rest and fluids. Don’ts include taking medicine without medical advice, going to crowded places when symptomatic, ignoring the illness and believing in rumours.
