Mumbai: Existing comprehensive health insurance policies will also cover hospitalisation expenses of patients affected by swine flu, insurance company officials said.
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Some insurers have already received claims for hospital expenses, though the number is not very large. However, given the fact more people are being hospitalised, insurance companies expect the number of claims to go up in the future.
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"Hospitalisation expenses of swine flu patients will be covered under the existing comprehensive health insurance policies of the insurance companies. There is no upper limit on the expenses. The customers can avail themselves of the amount commensurate to the sum assured," said an Oriental Insurance company official.
The hospitalisation charges will be borne by the insurance company subject to the cap on the room rent charges, a New India Assurance Company official said.
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Few claims so far
Swine flu will be covered under all the health insurance and travel insurance policies offered. A few claims have been received but the number is not large, said Sanjay Datta, Head Health Vertical, ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company.
Insurance companies are also expecting claims in the health segment to go up, but not by much.
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The claims in this segment will go up as the number of instances of hospitalisation increases. However, the outbreak is in the initial stages and the number of people who have taken a health insurance policy is also very low. Also, a very small proportion of people who have been diagnosed with the flu have to be hospitalised, Datta said.
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"At this point in time, the incidences of swine flu have not reached any threshold to have a significant impact on the number of claims logged. However, we have robust IT infrastructure and comprehensive network of providers to counter any exigencies that may arise in the near future," said the spokesperson of Apollo DKV, a standalone health insurance company.
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Most of the general insurance companies are operating through Third Party Administrators to settle claims.
Currently, more people are getting themselves tested for the flu rather than being hospitalised. Since the Government is bearing all the costs for the detection tests, the insurance companies are not burdened with that cost. Also, very few insurers offer policies covering OPD expenses, said a TPA official.
Some of the insurers such as ICICI Lombard and Apollo DKV also offer health insurance policies that cover the OPD expenses.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Six mysteries about swine flu
Government officials, public health experts and business leaders have faced a lot of questions about swine flu this week, and three words keep popping up in their answers: "We don't know."
The flu outbreak has spawned many mysteries - 2014 about origin, scope and impact, just for starters - 2014 and some of the most fundamental questions remain unanswered, or unanswerable.
Here's some of what we don't know.
1. How many people have had the virus?
A lot of numbers have bubbled up-2014 more than 100 lab-confirmed cases in the United States, at least 300 in Mexico, and dozens more in a few other countries. And then there are the suspected cases - 2014 thousands in Mexico alone.
But the real number of infections around the world is impossible to know, since many people may contract swine flu and simply get better without ever seeing a doctor. Even among the lab-confirmed cases of swine flu, many people have had only mild symptoms, similar to a run-of-the-mill case of seasonal flu.
Two more swine flu cases in India
2. How big will this get?
This is the million-dollar question, and we probably won't know the answer until scientists figure out how easily the virus spreads and how often it kills. Then, they might be able to project more accurately what damage the outbreak might cause.
An influenza outbreak can spread rapidly and unpredictably, requiring only a cough or sneeze to jump from one person to another. The swine flu has taken hold in densely populated areas like Mexico City, home to 20 million people, where it can spread at an alarming rate. And the disease has popped up in many parts of the world, thanks to easy travel between one continent and another.
Even the public health experts most plugged into swine flu don't want to speculate about the ultimate scope of the outbreak.
There have been some clues about the outbreak's future, though: On Thursday, Mexico's top health official said the number of new swine flu cases is stabilizing, at least in that country. Though WHO's flu chief, reacting to similar comments from other Mexican officials, said WHO hadn't seen evidence of leveling off and cautioned that case numbers often go up and down, particularly in the early stages of an outbreak.
3. When and where did it start?
The virus may have mutated into its current form months or even a year ago, and it happened, well, somewhere in the world.
The first symptoms started to show up in early March in the Mexican state of Veracruz, an area with a number of pig farms. The earliest confirmed case was a 5-year-old boy, one of hundreds of people in the town of La Gloria whose flu symptoms left them struggling to breathe.
People from La Gloria kept going to jobs in Mexico City despite their illnesses, and could have infected people there.
Still, there's no guarantee the virus came into existence in Veracruz. It spreads so easily, it could have made its way to Mexico from just about anywhere.
Some Mexican officials have offered some other suggestions of places where the virus may have begun, such as China, Pakistan or Bangladesh. But the fact is that the flu's origin remains a mystery.
WHO: Swine flu cases worldwide near 20,000
Fortunately, it also doesn't really matter - 2014 the outbreak has made its way around the world, and nothing can be done now at the point of origin to slow it down.
4. Why have so many people died in Mexico, but virtually nobody anywhere else?
OK, this is the REAL million-dollar question, and a swarm of public health experts - 2014 including several from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - 2014 have descended upon Mexico in search of an answer. This is especially a head-scratcher because experts have found no difference in samples of the virus collected in Mexico and the United States.
One theory is that many more people have had the virus in Mexico than health officials realize, and the number of cases there could well eclipse the number anywhere else in the world. If so, that country's death toll %u2014 at least a dozen confirmed deaths and many more suspected ones - 2014 would make sense.
Other theories have been floated %u2014 and ruled out - 2014 for the number of deaths in Mexico:
Lab tests of Mexican patients found no sign of complications from a second infection.
CDC investigators have not seen any obvious problem with low-quality health care.
The CDC found no evidence of an over-the-counter medicine or folk remedy compounding the problem.
Complications from Mexico City's altitude or air pollution are unlikely because severe cases have been reported in parts of Mexico at low altitude and with cleaner air.
5. Who are the victims in Mexico?
The Mexican government has revealed little about the victims, citing privacy reasons. The government has even been a bit haphazard about providing information that would not violate privacy rules, such as ages and hometowns.
After prodding by journalists, Health Secretary Jose Angel Cordova revealed Thursday that 5 of the 12 confirmed dead were between the ages of 20 and 40 and that they had an overactive immune system %u2014 possibly explaining why they did not survive.
On Wednesday, when there were 99 confirmed cases, he said 83 of them were from Mexico City. But when the number jumped Thursday, no information about hometowns was offered.
Swine flu special
Also, Mexico's chief epidemiologist, Miguel Angel Lezana, told reporters Wednesday that one of those confirmed dead was a Bangladeshi who had been in Mexico for six months, and whose brother, also apparently sick, had recently visited from Bangladesh or Pakistan.
And on Thursday, Mexico City government officials announced that preliminary investigations showed most of the people suspected to have died of swine flu in the capital lived in poor neighborhoods.
6. Will changes in the WHO alert level help stem the outbreak?
That's the idea, but it's unclear what concrete actions are actually taken by WHO and countries with a change in the alert level, which was bumped up on Wednesday to phase 5, one step away from the highest level, which indicates a global outbreak.
The alert levels mainly signify WHO's assessment of the pandemic situation, but they do come with actions and responsibilities. At the higher alert levels, WHO is essentially warning countries to prepare for a pandemic.
WHO monitors the outbreak situation at every level, but surveillance increases at higher levels for unusual outbreaks, the disease's spread, and the virus' possible drug resistance. WHO may also issue guidance about travel advisories, border closures, closings of schools and offices, and suspension of mass gatherings such as sporting events.
The alert system, however, is largely untested. Monday was the first time it had ever been raised above phase 3, which signifies only occasional cases or small clusters of a new flu virus.
Also, it's ultimately up to individual governments to activate pandemic response plans and to take such steps as closing schools or workplaces where a disease might spread. WHO cannot force countries to comply with recommendations.
At phases 5 and 6, WHO will also consider asking vaccine producers to switch from making seasonal flu vaccine to pandemic vaccine. It will also oversee distribution of its emergency stockpile of 5 million antiviral treatments to countries in need and help negotiate with vaccine makers for a proportion of the vaccine to go to developing countries.
How much does all this help? Until an outbreak has come and gone, the truth is: We don't know.
Available treatments for Swine flu
Swine flu is being treated with antiviral drugs such as Tamiflu and Relenza. Antiviral drugs work by preventing the flu virus from reproducing - to be effective you need to take them within 48 hours of the symptoms beginning. This can reduce the risk of complications and possibly shorten the illness by a day.
Swine flu in India
All about Swine flu
Some dos and don'ts
Tips to protect yourself
Six mysteries about swine flu
Follow us on twitter
Adverse reactions to Tamiflu
In some cases, antiviral medicine can cause side effects, such as:
* nausea
* vomiting
* diarrhoea
* stomach ache
* headache
Even if you do feel these symptoms it is important that those prescribed antiviral medicine complete the course, even if symptoms of swine flu clear and you start to feel better quickly.
Swine flu in India
All about Swine flu
Some dos and don'ts
Tips to protect yourself
Six mysteries about swine flu
Follow us on twitter
Adverse reactions to Tamiflu
In some cases, antiviral medicine can cause side effects, such as:
* nausea
* vomiting
* diarrhoea
* stomach ache
* headache
Even if you do feel these symptoms it is important that those prescribed antiviral medicine complete the course, even if symptoms of swine flu clear and you start to feel better quickly.
Swine flu - some dos and don'ts
Do not shake hands or hug in greeting and avoid crowded places, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said Thursday as it raised the alert for swine flu to Phase 5 - the second highest level - for the infection which has left over 150 people dead in the western world The health organisation also said it is safe to eat well-cooked pork
No suspected case of swine flu in India: Govt
WHO appealed to the people across the world to follow a few precautions
DOs
Wash your hands
Avoid crowded places
Stay more than one arm's length distance from persons sick with flu
Get plenty of sleep
Drink plenty of water and eat nutritious food
DO NOTs
Shake hands or hug in greeting
Spit in public
Take medicines without consulting a physician
If you are sick, PLEASE
Stay home and limit contact with others as much as possible
Rest and take plenty of liquids
Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
Seek medical advice if needed
WHO said it is safe to eat well-cooked pork
No suspected case of swine flu in India: Govt
WHO appealed to the people across the world to follow a few precautions
DOs
Wash your hands
Avoid crowded places
Stay more than one arm's length distance from persons sick with flu
Get plenty of sleep
Drink plenty of water and eat nutritious food
DO NOTs
Shake hands or hug in greeting
Spit in public
Take medicines without consulting a physician
If you are sick, PLEASE
Stay home and limit contact with others as much as possible
Rest and take plenty of liquids
Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
Seek medical advice if needed
WHO said it is safe to eat well-cooked pork
Influenza H1N1 List of State Nodal Officers and contact details of Control Room
Influenza H1N1
List of State Nodal Officers and contact details of Control Room
STATE CONTROL ROOM (ADD. & CONTACT) NODAL OFFICER
ANDHRA PRADESH Office of The Addl. Director (Health Services), Hyderabad.
040-24656852(T) [24x7] Dr Ramswarup
[09989923781]
ARUNACHAL PRADESH SSU IDSP, Directorate of Health Services, Naharlagun, Arunachal Pradesh.
Tel: 0360-2245460
Telefax:: 0360-2244271
(During office hours) Dr.L.Jampa
[09436055743]
[24x7]
ASSAM Office of the Director (Health Services), Guwahati.
0361-2235577
0361-2261630
0361-2261089
[24x7] Dr Doley
0361-2642008
09854066560
BIHAR Office of the Executive Director,
State Health Society, Sheikhpura, Patna.
0612-2280562
0612-2281232
0612-2290322(F)
[24x7] Mr. Santosh Mathew (IAS)
Dr D K Gupta (Addl.Nodal officer)- 09430057795
Control Room In-charge (Dr BK Singh: 9470003023)
CHHATISHGARH State Surveillance Unit (IDSP),
Directorate Health services,
Old Nurses Hostel, DKS Mantralya
Campus,Raipur
0771-2220011
[24x7] Dr T K Agarwal (Deputy Director, Epidemic)-Nodal officer: 09926624162
Dr S N M Murti (Addl.N.O)
09425564418
GUJARAT Office of Dy.Director (Epid)
Commisionerate of Health Services Block No:5, Dr.Jivaraj Mehta Bhawan, Old Sachivalaya , Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Tel: 079-23253334
Fax: 079-23250818
[24X7] Dr.S.J.Gandhi
[09825342899]
GOA Call Centre: 0832- 2458458
[24X7] Dr.Tamba (09822123801)
HIMACHAL PRADESH IDSP Cell, Directorate of Health Services, Kasumti, Shimla-9
Tel/Fax: 0177-2628046
[ during office hours] Dr.Vinod Mehta(09418163500)
[24x7]
HARYANA Office of the Director (Health Services),Sector-6, Panchkula
0172-2587346
[During office hours] Dr.Aparajita Sondh (Nodal Officer)
09417931024
[24x7]
JAMMU-KASHMIR Office of DHS, Srinagar, J& K
Tel/Fax. No (0194) 2452697 (main)
2452052,2454706,2430141
(24x7)
Dr.M.Ahmed (09419012355)
Dr.Bashir Ahmed Dar (Addl.N.O) (09419017716)
JHARKHAND RIMS, RANCHI
Chamber of Dr. A. K. Mathur (HOD Medicine)
(09431176496)
(RIMS acting as Control Room) Dr C.B Sharma (094311740820
Dr.Pradeep Baski
(09431102461)
KERALA Office of Addl.DHS (Public Health),
Near Govt. General Hospital Trivandrum
TF:(0471) 2466828
[24X7]
Dr. Amar
09447451846
DR. SHAUKAT ALI (Joint Director,NICD)-09447702444
Dr K K Mohammad-09447327569
KARNATAKA Office of the Director (Health and Family Welfare),Anand Rao Circle, Bangalore-9
Phone no: 080-1056
[24X7] Dr.Chelluraj
09901060584
Dr.Vasudev Murthi
09880024329
MAHARASHTRA
Mumbai Room no.137,First Floor,
Swasthaya Bhawan,Mumbai.
022-22029070
022-22025830
[24X7] Dr. Gawande
(09420711426)
Dr Awate-09423337556
Pune Office of the Joint Director (Health Services), Central Building , Pune
020-26124299
[24X7]
Dr. Desai-09822429266
Dr. Suresh Bohatre
09881364656
MEGHALAYA Office of DHS, Medical Institutions
Nokrek Bldg. 3rd Secretariat,
Shillong, Meghalaya TF:(0364)2506498
[Office hour only]
Control room no 0364-2505842
Civil hospital
Shilling
[24x7]
Dr.R.R.Lanong,
(09436102763)
MANIPUR Medical Directorate, Office of DHS, Manipur
Room no-23
Lamphelpat
Manipur-795004
0385-2411668
(9am-6pm) Dr Bhubon Chandra
[09436021607]
MADHYA PRADESH State Surveillance Unit, Directorate Health Services, Satpura Bhavan, Bhopal
0755-4094192(TF)
[Office hours only] Dr. B N Chauhan
09826282249
MIZORAM Civil hospital
Aizwal
0389-2322318
102 Dr Sangawalar
0389-2313721
NAGALAND SSU IDSP, Directorate of Health Services& FW, T.R .Hill, KOHIMA-797001.
Tel:(0370)2245016
[Office hours only] Dr.Kebichusa
(09436000463)
[24x7]
ORISSA State Surveillance Unit, Director of Health Services, Heads of the Department Buildings, Bhubaneshwar.
0674-2390466 (TF)
[24x7] Dr. V. Patnaik
0674-2390466
PUNJAB Pariwar Kalyan Bhawan,
Sector-34A, Chandigarh.
Tel:(0172) 2621506
Dr. Deepak Bhatia
09814302403 [24x7]
0172-2621506(0)/0172-2620234(Fax)
RAJASTHAN Office of the Director (Public Health), Swasthaya Bhawan, Jaipur.
0141-2225624
0141-2224831(F)
[ Mr. R K Meena ,IAS, Principal Sect.(Health)- Nodal Officer
Dr. O P Gupta(Addl.Nodal Officer)-0141-2229858 09829333936
SIKKIM SSU IDSP, Health & F.W.
Govt. of Sikkim
03592-204199
[Office hours only] Dr.Y.D.Chingappa
(09832079576)
Tel:(03592)204199
TRIPURA DHS building
PN Building
Gurkha Basti
Agartala
Tel/Fax:(0381) 2215879 Dr P Chatterjee (09436120711)
Dr.R.K. Dhar
(09436137652)
TAMILNADU Office of the Director (Public Health &Preventive Medicine),
Central Malaria Laboratory,
359,Annasalai,Chennai-6
044-24321569 (TF)
[24X7] DR. Elango, DHS,
(09940610123)
UTTARAKHAND Office of DHS, IDSP,
107,Chander Nagar, Dehradun
TF: 0135-2721792
0135-2729897
[Office Hours only] Dr.Pankaj Jain(09412969502)
[24x7]
UTTAR PRADESH Swasthaya Bhawan,Luknow
Control Room No-Tel:(0522)2616482
Fax:(0522)2622819
[24X7]
Dr Pyaremohan Srivastava
0522-2629106(TF)
(09415181629)
WEST BENGAL Chamber of Joint Director (Health Services), Swasthaya Bhawan,
Sector-5,GN Block, Kolkata-91
(033)-23571192
[ 10 am to 7 pm on working days]
[11 am to 4:30 pm on Saturday and Holidays] Dr.Bhaskar Bhattacharya,
Jt.DHS
033-23330180
(09831187818)
ANDAMAN AND NICOBAR G.B.Pant Hospital, Port Blair
Tel:03192-230622,233473 Dr.Abhijit Roy,Dy.Director (H) (09474269315)
T/F: (03192-232797)
CHANDIGARH Govt. Multispecialty Hospital,
Sector-16, Chandigarh.
Call Centre:102
Tel:(0172) 2700255 Mr. H.C. Gera
(09988212139)
(0172)-2740408
DADRA AND NAGAR HAVELI Office of DHS, Silvassa.
T/F (0260)2642061,2641759
CONTROL ROOM NO- 0260-2642120 Dr.L.M.Patra DHS
(09426117593)
DAMAN AND DIU CHC, Daman.
Tel:(0260)2230080
Fax:(0260)2230570
[24x7] Dr.B.Hansraj (Daman)
(09825142600)
Dr.Das (Silvassa)
Tel:0260-2642961,26422120
DELHI DHS Office
Tel:22307145
(24X7) Dr.R.P.Vashist
(09212222456)/22305657(O),23646049(O),23646173(F)
LAKSHADWEEP Office of DHS,
Tel:(04896)262316
[Office hours only]
Dr.K P Hamza Koya (DHS)-Nodal officer(09496429027,04896-262113)
04896-262089,04896-262209(F)
Dr K. Attakoya (Addl.Nodal officer)-04896-262109,262317
PUDUCHERRY Call Centre:(24X7)
Tel: (0413)1070
(0413)1077 Dr.G.S.Naidu (09443729783)
Tel:(0413)2249357
List of State Nodal Officers and contact details of Control Room
STATE CONTROL ROOM (ADD. & CONTACT) NODAL OFFICER
ANDHRA PRADESH Office of The Addl. Director (Health Services), Hyderabad.
040-24656852(T) [24x7] Dr Ramswarup
[09989923781]
ARUNACHAL PRADESH SSU IDSP, Directorate of Health Services, Naharlagun, Arunachal Pradesh.
Tel: 0360-2245460
Telefax:: 0360-2244271
(During office hours) Dr.L.Jampa
[09436055743]
[24x7]
ASSAM Office of the Director (Health Services), Guwahati.
0361-2235577
0361-2261630
0361-2261089
[24x7] Dr Doley
0361-2642008
09854066560
BIHAR Office of the Executive Director,
State Health Society, Sheikhpura, Patna.
0612-2280562
0612-2281232
0612-2290322(F)
[24x7] Mr. Santosh Mathew (IAS)
Dr D K Gupta (Addl.Nodal officer)- 09430057795
Control Room In-charge (Dr BK Singh: 9470003023)
CHHATISHGARH State Surveillance Unit (IDSP),
Directorate Health services,
Old Nurses Hostel, DKS Mantralya
Campus,Raipur
0771-2220011
[24x7] Dr T K Agarwal (Deputy Director, Epidemic)-Nodal officer: 09926624162
Dr S N M Murti (Addl.N.O)
09425564418
GUJARAT Office of Dy.Director (Epid)
Commisionerate of Health Services Block No:5, Dr.Jivaraj Mehta Bhawan, Old Sachivalaya , Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Tel: 079-23253334
Fax: 079-23250818
[24X7] Dr.S.J.Gandhi
[09825342899]
GOA Call Centre: 0832- 2458458
[24X7] Dr.Tamba (09822123801)
HIMACHAL PRADESH IDSP Cell, Directorate of Health Services, Kasumti, Shimla-9
Tel/Fax: 0177-2628046
[ during office hours] Dr.Vinod Mehta(09418163500)
[24x7]
HARYANA Office of the Director (Health Services),Sector-6, Panchkula
0172-2587346
[During office hours] Dr.Aparajita Sondh (Nodal Officer)
09417931024
[24x7]
JAMMU-KASHMIR Office of DHS, Srinagar, J& K
Tel/Fax. No (0194) 2452697 (main)
2452052,2454706,2430141
(24x7)
Dr.M.Ahmed (09419012355)
Dr.Bashir Ahmed Dar (Addl.N.O) (09419017716)
JHARKHAND RIMS, RANCHI
Chamber of Dr. A. K. Mathur (HOD Medicine)
(09431176496)
(RIMS acting as Control Room) Dr C.B Sharma (094311740820
Dr.Pradeep Baski
(09431102461)
KERALA Office of Addl.DHS (Public Health),
Near Govt. General Hospital Trivandrum
TF:(0471) 2466828
[24X7]
Dr. Amar
09447451846
DR. SHAUKAT ALI (Joint Director,NICD)-09447702444
Dr K K Mohammad-09447327569
KARNATAKA Office of the Director (Health and Family Welfare),Anand Rao Circle, Bangalore-9
Phone no: 080-1056
[24X7] Dr.Chelluraj
09901060584
Dr.Vasudev Murthi
09880024329
MAHARASHTRA
Mumbai Room no.137,First Floor,
Swasthaya Bhawan,Mumbai.
022-22029070
022-22025830
[24X7] Dr. Gawande
(09420711426)
Dr Awate-09423337556
Pune Office of the Joint Director (Health Services), Central Building , Pune
020-26124299
[24X7]
Dr. Desai-09822429266
Dr. Suresh Bohatre
09881364656
MEGHALAYA Office of DHS, Medical Institutions
Nokrek Bldg. 3rd Secretariat,
Shillong, Meghalaya TF:(0364)2506498
[Office hour only]
Control room no 0364-2505842
Civil hospital
Shilling
[24x7]
Dr.R.R.Lanong,
(09436102763)
MANIPUR Medical Directorate, Office of DHS, Manipur
Room no-23
Lamphelpat
Manipur-795004
0385-2411668
(9am-6pm) Dr Bhubon Chandra
[09436021607]
MADHYA PRADESH State Surveillance Unit, Directorate Health Services, Satpura Bhavan, Bhopal
0755-4094192(TF)
[Office hours only] Dr. B N Chauhan
09826282249
MIZORAM Civil hospital
Aizwal
0389-2322318
102 Dr Sangawalar
0389-2313721
NAGALAND SSU IDSP, Directorate of Health Services& FW, T.R .Hill, KOHIMA-797001.
Tel:(0370)2245016
[Office hours only] Dr.Kebichusa
(09436000463)
[24x7]
ORISSA State Surveillance Unit, Director of Health Services, Heads of the Department Buildings, Bhubaneshwar.
0674-2390466 (TF)
[24x7] Dr. V. Patnaik
0674-2390466
PUNJAB Pariwar Kalyan Bhawan,
Sector-34A, Chandigarh.
Tel:(0172) 2621506
Dr. Deepak Bhatia
09814302403 [24x7]
0172-2621506(0)/0172-2620234(Fax)
RAJASTHAN Office of the Director (Public Health), Swasthaya Bhawan, Jaipur.
0141-2225624
0141-2224831(F)
[ Mr. R K Meena ,IAS, Principal Sect.(Health)- Nodal Officer
Dr. O P Gupta(Addl.Nodal Officer)-0141-2229858 09829333936
SIKKIM SSU IDSP, Health & F.W.
Govt. of Sikkim
03592-204199
[Office hours only] Dr.Y.D.Chingappa
(09832079576)
Tel:(03592)204199
TRIPURA DHS building
PN Building
Gurkha Basti
Agartala
Tel/Fax:(0381) 2215879 Dr P Chatterjee (09436120711)
Dr.R.K. Dhar
(09436137652)
TAMILNADU Office of the Director (Public Health &Preventive Medicine),
Central Malaria Laboratory,
359,Annasalai,Chennai-6
044-24321569 (TF)
[24X7] DR. Elango, DHS,
(09940610123)
UTTARAKHAND Office of DHS, IDSP,
107,Chander Nagar, Dehradun
TF: 0135-2721792
0135-2729897
[Office Hours only] Dr.Pankaj Jain(09412969502)
[24x7]
UTTAR PRADESH Swasthaya Bhawan,Luknow
Control Room No-Tel:(0522)2616482
Fax:(0522)2622819
[24X7]
Dr Pyaremohan Srivastava
0522-2629106(TF)
(09415181629)
WEST BENGAL Chamber of Joint Director (Health Services), Swasthaya Bhawan,
Sector-5,GN Block, Kolkata-91
(033)-23571192
[ 10 am to 7 pm on working days]
[11 am to 4:30 pm on Saturday and Holidays] Dr.Bhaskar Bhattacharya,
Jt.DHS
033-23330180
(09831187818)
ANDAMAN AND NICOBAR G.B.Pant Hospital, Port Blair
Tel:03192-230622,233473 Dr.Abhijit Roy,Dy.Director (H) (09474269315)
T/F: (03192-232797)
CHANDIGARH Govt. Multispecialty Hospital,
Sector-16, Chandigarh.
Call Centre:102
Tel:(0172) 2700255 Mr. H.C. Gera
(09988212139)
(0172)-2740408
DADRA AND NAGAR HAVELI Office of DHS, Silvassa.
T/F (0260)2642061,2641759
CONTROL ROOM NO- 0260-2642120 Dr.L.M.Patra DHS
(09426117593)
DAMAN AND DIU CHC, Daman.
Tel:(0260)2230080
Fax:(0260)2230570
[24x7] Dr.B.Hansraj (Daman)
(09825142600)
Dr.Das (Silvassa)
Tel:0260-2642961,26422120
DELHI DHS Office
Tel:22307145
(24X7) Dr.R.P.Vashist
(09212222456)/22305657(O),23646049(O),23646173(F)
LAKSHADWEEP Office of DHS,
Tel:(04896)262316
[Office hours only]
Dr.K P Hamza Koya (DHS)-Nodal officer(09496429027,04896-262113)
04896-262089,04896-262209(F)
Dr K. Attakoya (Addl.Nodal officer)-04896-262109,262317
PUDUCHERRY Call Centre:(24X7)
Tel: (0413)1070
(0413)1077 Dr.G.S.Naidu (09443729783)
Tel:(0413)2249357
List of Influenza A H1N1 affected countries as on 16.6.2009
S.No Name of the Country
1. Argentina
2. Australia
3. Austria
4. Bahamas
5. Bahrain
6. Barbados
7. Belgium
8. Bolivia
9. Brazil
10. Bulgaria
11. Canada
12. Cayman Islands, UKOT
13. Chile
14. China
15. Colombia
16. Costa Rica
17. Cuba
18. Cyprus
19. Czech Republic
20. Denmark
21. Dominica
22. Dominican Republic
23. Ecuador
24. Egypt
25. El Salvador
26. Estonia
27. Finland
28. France
29. Germany
30. Greece
31. Guatemala
32. Honduras
33. Hungary
34. Iceland
35. India
36. Ireland
37. Israel
38. Italy
39. Jamaica
40. Japan
41. Korea, Republic of
42. Kuwait
43. Lebanon
44. Luxembourg
45. Malaysia
46. Mexico
47. Netherlands
48. New Zealand
49. Nicaragua
50. Norway
51. Panama
52. Paraguay
53. Peru
54. Philippines
55. Poland
56. Portugal
57. Romania
58. Russia
59. Saudi Arabia
60. Singapore
61. Slovakia
62. Spain
63. Sweden
64. Switzerland
65. Thailand
66. Trinidad and Tobago
67. Turkey
68. Ukraine
69. United Arab Emirates
70. United Kingdom
71. United States of America
72. Uruguay
73. Venezuela
74. Viet Nam
75. West Bank and Gaza Strip
1. Argentina
2. Australia
3. Austria
4. Bahamas
5. Bahrain
6. Barbados
7. Belgium
8. Bolivia
9. Brazil
10. Bulgaria
11. Canada
12. Cayman Islands, UKOT
13. Chile
14. China
15. Colombia
16. Costa Rica
17. Cuba
18. Cyprus
19. Czech Republic
20. Denmark
21. Dominica
22. Dominican Republic
23. Ecuador
24. Egypt
25. El Salvador
26. Estonia
27. Finland
28. France
29. Germany
30. Greece
31. Guatemala
32. Honduras
33. Hungary
34. Iceland
35. India
36. Ireland
37. Israel
38. Italy
39. Jamaica
40. Japan
41. Korea, Republic of
42. Kuwait
43. Lebanon
44. Luxembourg
45. Malaysia
46. Mexico
47. Netherlands
48. New Zealand
49. Nicaragua
50. Norway
51. Panama
52. Paraguay
53. Peru
54. Philippines
55. Poland
56. Portugal
57. Romania
58. Russia
59. Saudi Arabia
60. Singapore
61. Slovakia
62. Spain
63. Sweden
64. Switzerland
65. Thailand
66. Trinidad and Tobago
67. Turkey
68. Ukraine
69. United Arab Emirates
70. United Kingdom
71. United States of America
72. Uruguay
73. Venezuela
74. Viet Nam
75. West Bank and Gaza Strip
GUIDELINES FOR SCHOOLS/COLLEGES/INSTITUTIONS ON INFLUENZA A/H1N1
There have been some cases of Influenza A H1N1 virus among students and staff in certain schools, primarily in Delhi and Maharashtra. There has been considerable speculation over the need for closure of schools to control the outbreak. This matter has been considered by the Joint Monitoring Group in the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. All schools and colleges are advised to observe the following guidelines for managing cases of infection of Influenza AH1N1.
(i) Any student or staff member showing flu like symptoms such as fever, cough, running nose and difficulty in breathing should be allowed to stay at home for a period of 7 to 10 days.
(ii) Educational institutions should not insist on production of medical certificate by the student/staff.
(iii) Educational institutions should monitor the health status of such students/staff who might have come in contact with a suspected case of Influenza AH1N1 to see whether they develop flu like symptoms. In case they do so, they should be allowed to stay home, as outlined at (i) above
(iv) In case of students staying in Hostels, the educational institutions would not only monitor the health status of the students, but also that of care providers. It has to be ensured that the care providers wear face mask and wash hands regularly. It might not be advisable to send the boarders back to home, as it would spread infection further.
(v) Educational institutions are further encouraged to report such cases to local health officers for further monitoring.
(vi) Given the current magnitude of the spread of AH1N1 infection and the fact that the current virus is fairly mild, closure of educational institutions on account of any student/staff member falling ill with flu like symptoms is not recommended.
(vii) In the first place, the schools should discourage the excursions of the students to the affected countries.
(viii) In case if the students had proceeded to affected countries on unavoidable tours, then on their return, if some students show flu like symptoms of fever, sore- throat , cough , body ache, running nose, difficulty breathing etc. they should be advised to abstain from attending school and be allowed to stay at home for a period of 7 to 10 days.
(i) Any student or staff member showing flu like symptoms such as fever, cough, running nose and difficulty in breathing should be allowed to stay at home for a period of 7 to 10 days.
(ii) Educational institutions should not insist on production of medical certificate by the student/staff.
(iii) Educational institutions should monitor the health status of such students/staff who might have come in contact with a suspected case of Influenza AH1N1 to see whether they develop flu like symptoms. In case they do so, they should be allowed to stay home, as outlined at (i) above
(iv) In case of students staying in Hostels, the educational institutions would not only monitor the health status of the students, but also that of care providers. It has to be ensured that the care providers wear face mask and wash hands regularly. It might not be advisable to send the boarders back to home, as it would spread infection further.
(v) Educational institutions are further encouraged to report such cases to local health officers for further monitoring.
(vi) Given the current magnitude of the spread of AH1N1 infection and the fact that the current virus is fairly mild, closure of educational institutions on account of any student/staff member falling ill with flu like symptoms is not recommended.
(vii) In the first place, the schools should discourage the excursions of the students to the affected countries.
(viii) In case if the students had proceeded to affected countries on unavoidable tours, then on their return, if some students show flu like symptoms of fever, sore- throat , cough , body ache, running nose, difficulty breathing etc. they should be advised to abstain from attending school and be allowed to stay at home for a period of 7 to 10 days.
Guidelines for testing, Home isolation and treatment
Revised Guidelines for testing of persons with flu like symptoms reporting at hospitals notified for influenza H1N1
So far, the present guidelines stipulate that a person suspected of influenza A H1N1 need to be referred to an identified govt. health facility. He/she needs to be kept in an isolation facility in that hospital and if found positive, is treated accordingly.
In order to make the testing facility for H1N1 more accessible at large and due to the onset of the Influenza season in the country, it has been decided to revise the existing guidelines.
Under the new guidelines, any person with flu like symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, cold, running nose etc. should go to a designated Government facility for giving his/her sample for testing for the H1N1 virus. After clinical assessment, the designated medical officer would decide on the need for testing. Except for cases that are severe, the patient would be allowed to go home (This was not allowed under the existing guidelines).
The sample of the suspect case would be collected and sent to the notified laboratory for testing. If tested as positive for H1N1 and in case the symptoms are mild, the patient would be informed and given the option of admission into the hospital or isolation and treatment at his own home.
In case the patient opts for home isolation and treatment, he/she would be provided with detailed guidelines / safety measures to be strictly adhered to by the entire household of the patient. He/ she would have to provide full contact details of his entire household. The house hold and social contacts would be provided with the preventive treatment.
Notwithstanding the above guidelines, the decision of the doctor of the notified hospital about admitting the patient would be final.
In case the test is negative, the patient will accordingly be informed.
These guidelines have been issued by the Government in public interest and shall be reviewed from time to time depending on the spread of the pandemic and its severity in the country. These guidelines would however not apply to passengers who are identified through screening at the points of entry. The existing policy of isolating passengers with flu like symptoms would continue.
So far, the present guidelines stipulate that a person suspected of influenza A H1N1 need to be referred to an identified govt. health facility. He/she needs to be kept in an isolation facility in that hospital and if found positive, is treated accordingly.
In order to make the testing facility for H1N1 more accessible at large and due to the onset of the Influenza season in the country, it has been decided to revise the existing guidelines.
Under the new guidelines, any person with flu like symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, cold, running nose etc. should go to a designated Government facility for giving his/her sample for testing for the H1N1 virus. After clinical assessment, the designated medical officer would decide on the need for testing. Except for cases that are severe, the patient would be allowed to go home (This was not allowed under the existing guidelines).
The sample of the suspect case would be collected and sent to the notified laboratory for testing. If tested as positive for H1N1 and in case the symptoms are mild, the patient would be informed and given the option of admission into the hospital or isolation and treatment at his own home.
In case the patient opts for home isolation and treatment, he/she would be provided with detailed guidelines / safety measures to be strictly adhered to by the entire household of the patient. He/ she would have to provide full contact details of his entire household. The house hold and social contacts would be provided with the preventive treatment.
Notwithstanding the above guidelines, the decision of the doctor of the notified hospital about admitting the patient would be final.
In case the test is negative, the patient will accordingly be informed.
These guidelines have been issued by the Government in public interest and shall be reviewed from time to time depending on the spread of the pandemic and its severity in the country. These guidelines would however not apply to passengers who are identified through screening at the points of entry. The existing policy of isolating passengers with flu like symptoms would continue.
List of govt hospitals authorised to treat swine flu In India
In the wake of threat posed by the A (HINI) influenza, the government has authorised a number of hospitals across the country to test and treat cases of swine flu:
All India Institute of Medical Sciences -- Ansari Nagar, Aurobindo Marg Ring Road, New Delhi [ Images ] - 29
Phone: (011) 26594404, 26861698 Professor R C Deka – 9868397464.
National Institute for Communicable Diseases, 22, Sham Nath Marg, New Delhi - 54
Phone: (011) 23971272/060/344/524/449/326.
Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, Kharak Singh Marg, New Delhi - 01
Phone: (011) 23741640, 23741649, 23741639, Dr N K Chaturvedi – 9811101704.
Vallabhai Patel Chest Institute University, Enclave, New Delhi- 07
Phone: (011) 27667102, 27667441, 27667667, 27666182
Kasturba Gandhi [ Images ] Hospital, Arthur Road, N M Joshi Marg, Jacob Circle, Mumbai [ Images ] - 11
Phone: (022) 23083901, 23092458, 23004512
Sir J J Hospital, J J Marg, Byculla, Mumbai - 08
Phone: (022) 23735555, 23739031, 23760943, 23768400 / 23731144 / 5555 / 23701393 / 1366
Haffkine Institute, Acharya Donde Marg, Parel, Mumbai - 12
Phone: (022) 24160947, 24160961, 24160962
ID Hospital, 57,Beliaghata, Beliaghata Road, Kolkata [ Images ] - 10
Phone: (033) 23701252
Victoria Hospital, K R Market, Kalasipalayam, Bangalore - 02
Phone: (080) 26703294 Dr. Gangadhar - 94480-49863
SDS Tuberculosis & Rajiv Gandhi [ Images ] Institute of Chest Diseases, Hosur Road, Hombegowda Nagar, Bangalore - 29
Phone: (080) 26631923 Dr. Shivaraj - 99801-48780.
Chennai King Institute of Preventive Medicine (24/7 Service) Guindy, Chennai – 32
Phone: (044) 22501520, 22501521 & 22501522
Communicable Diseases Hospital Thondiarpet, Chennai
Phone: (044) 25912686/87/88, 9444459543
Government General Hospital, Opp Central Railway Station, Chennai – 03
Phone: (044) 25305000, 25305723, 25305721, 25330300
Hospital Nr Le''Meridian, Raja Bahadur Mill, GPO, Pune - 01
Phone: (020) 26058243
National Institute of Virology, 20A Ambedkar Road, Pune - 11
Phone: (020) 26006290
Government Medical College, Gandhi Nagar P O, Kottayam - 08
Phone: (0481) 2597311,2597312
Government Medical College, Vandanam P O, Allapuzha - 05
Phone: (0477) 2282015
Taluk Hospital, Railway Station Road, Alwaye, Ernakulam
Phone: (0484) 2624040 Sathyajit – 09847840051,
Taluk Hospital, Perumbavoor PO, Ernakulam 542
Phone: (0484) 2523138, Vipin - 09447305200
Government General Hospital, near Railway Station, Trichy Road, Coimbatore - 18
Phone: (0422) 2301393, 2301394, 2301395, 2301396
Govt General and Chest Diseases Hospital, Erragadda, Hyderabad
Phone: (040) 23814939
13 swine flu deaths take India's toll to 277
Thirteen swine flu deaths, including five in Andhra Pradesh, took the toll in the country Thursday due to Influenza A (H1N1) to 277, health officials said here.
Meanwhile, as many as 283 fresh swine flu cases were recorded in the country, taking the total number of positive cases to 8,979.
Four deaths were reported from Maharashtra - Pune, Nashik, Mumbai and Nagpur -- while three deaths occurred in Karnataka - two in Bangalore and one in Updupi.
Two deaths were reported from Hyderabad Thursday. Three deaths had occurred earlier in Andhra Pradesh, but the laboratory reports came in Thursday. One death took place in Uttarakhand, taking the state's toll to two.
So far, 28 people have died in Andhra Pradesh since the outbreak of the flu in the country in May 16.
In Maharashtra, which tops the chart for the maximum number of deaths and cases in the country, as many as 112 people have succumbed to the contagious virus and 2,574 have been affected.
Karnataka's toll has reached 85 - the second highest in the country.
The senior wing of Delhi Public School (DPS) at Indirapuram, Ghaziabad, was closed Thursday after two students tested positive for the influenza.
Two days back, the school had closed its junior wing following two children being detected with the virus.
The school will remain closed till Sep 28.
'Four students have been reported infected. We have closed down as a precautionary measure. All infected students are from the primary section. All these students are under treatment and belong to Mayur Vihar, Preet Vihar, Vikas Marg and Vishwas Nagar area of Shahdara,' school principal Meeta Rai said.
'We have undertaken every possible measure to deal with the situation,' she added. The school has around 5,300 students from Delhi, Noida and Ghaziabad.
The national capital Thursday reported 113 fresh cases of swine flu with the majority of them being children, Delhi Health Minister Kiran Walia said.
'Of the 113 swine flu cases, 65 are children and all of them have been quarantined,' she said.
Walia said that till Thursday, 2,275 cases were admitted and treated in designated government hospitals and of these 90 percent have been discharged. Delhi has so far reported nine swine flu deaths.
'The situation is under control and the government is doing its best in providing treatment to H1N1 patients. I advise people to visit the doctor at the earliest if any symptom of swine flu appears,' she said.
As the H1N1 virus continued to spread, Delhi Mayor Kanwar Sain said the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) would evaluate its response to checking the swine flu outbreak in the capital.
'Swine flu, other than causing loss of human lives, should give us reason to sit down and evaluate the efficacy and style of our responses,' Sain said as he addressed a convention organised by Health Essayists and Authors League (HEAL) here.
Fresh cases were also reported from Andhra Pradesh (43), Karnataka (22), Tamil Nadu (34), Maharashtra (35), Haryana (25) and Gujarat (2).
Meanwhile, as many as 283 fresh swine flu cases were recorded in the country, taking the total number of positive cases to 8,979.
Four deaths were reported from Maharashtra - Pune, Nashik, Mumbai and Nagpur -- while three deaths occurred in Karnataka - two in Bangalore and one in Updupi.
Two deaths were reported from Hyderabad Thursday. Three deaths had occurred earlier in Andhra Pradesh, but the laboratory reports came in Thursday. One death took place in Uttarakhand, taking the state's toll to two.
So far, 28 people have died in Andhra Pradesh since the outbreak of the flu in the country in May 16.
In Maharashtra, which tops the chart for the maximum number of deaths and cases in the country, as many as 112 people have succumbed to the contagious virus and 2,574 have been affected.
Karnataka's toll has reached 85 - the second highest in the country.
The senior wing of Delhi Public School (DPS) at Indirapuram, Ghaziabad, was closed Thursday after two students tested positive for the influenza.
Two days back, the school had closed its junior wing following two children being detected with the virus.
The school will remain closed till Sep 28.
'Four students have been reported infected. We have closed down as a precautionary measure. All infected students are from the primary section. All these students are under treatment and belong to Mayur Vihar, Preet Vihar, Vikas Marg and Vishwas Nagar area of Shahdara,' school principal Meeta Rai said.
'We have undertaken every possible measure to deal with the situation,' she added. The school has around 5,300 students from Delhi, Noida and Ghaziabad.
The national capital Thursday reported 113 fresh cases of swine flu with the majority of them being children, Delhi Health Minister Kiran Walia said.
'Of the 113 swine flu cases, 65 are children and all of them have been quarantined,' she said.
Walia said that till Thursday, 2,275 cases were admitted and treated in designated government hospitals and of these 90 percent have been discharged. Delhi has so far reported nine swine flu deaths.
'The situation is under control and the government is doing its best in providing treatment to H1N1 patients. I advise people to visit the doctor at the earliest if any symptom of swine flu appears,' she said.
As the H1N1 virus continued to spread, Delhi Mayor Kanwar Sain said the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) would evaluate its response to checking the swine flu outbreak in the capital.
'Swine flu, other than causing loss of human lives, should give us reason to sit down and evaluate the efficacy and style of our responses,' Sain said as he addressed a convention organised by Health Essayists and Authors League (HEAL) here.
Fresh cases were also reported from Andhra Pradesh (43), Karnataka (22), Tamil Nadu (34), Maharashtra (35), Haryana (25) and Gujarat (2).
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Student dies of swine flu in AP, state toll rises to 15
Hyderabad, Sept 16 (PTI) A 15-year-old boy died of swine flu in Warangal today, taking the death toll due to the virus in the state to 15, Andhra Pradesh Major Irrigation Minister Ponnala Lakshmaiah said.
Sai Krishna, a class 10th student, died due to the H1N1 virus here last night.
The death toll due to the viral disease today rose to 203 from 201 last night as two more persons succumbed to the infection today in Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra each.
Three other persons tested positive for H1N1 influenza in the district and are being treated in various hospitals, Lakshmaiah told reporters after a meeting with the district health authorities.
The minister said special arrangements were being made in the MGM hospital in Warangal for treating swine flu affected patients and 7,200 doses of Tamiflu tablets are available.
Sai Krishna, a class 10th student, died due to the H1N1 virus here last night.
The death toll due to the viral disease today rose to 203 from 201 last night as two more persons succumbed to the infection today in Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra each.
Three other persons tested positive for H1N1 influenza in the district and are being treated in various hospitals, Lakshmaiah told reporters after a meeting with the district health authorities.
The minister said special arrangements were being made in the MGM hospital in Warangal for treating swine flu affected patients and 7,200 doses of Tamiflu tablets are available.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Swine Flu Self Test
Self screening
Individuals are asked to perform H1N1 Flu illness self screening following exposure to a confirmed or suspected case.
To conduct self screening, please perform the following steps:
Step One: Check whether you have symptoms of illness including fever and cough, sore throat or body aches.
Step Two: Check your temperature using a standard, good quality thermometer following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Step Three: If you have symptoms as described in Step One or you have a temperature greater than 100.4o F or 38o C, you must not go into the workplace.
Individuals are asked to perform H1N1 Flu illness self screening following exposure to a confirmed or suspected case.
To conduct self screening, please perform the following steps:
Step One: Check whether you have symptoms of illness including fever and cough, sore throat or body aches.
Step Two: Check your temperature using a standard, good quality thermometer following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Step Three: If you have symptoms as described in Step One or you have a temperature greater than 100.4o F or 38o C, you must not go into the workplace.
Guide Lines To Test People On Swine Flu
Government of India Revised Guidelines for testing people with flu-like symptoms, reporting to hospitals
Due to the onset of the influenza season in the country and to make the testing facility for H1N1 more accessible, Government of India has revised the existing guidelines.
Under the new guidelines, any person with flu like symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, cold, running nose etc. should go to a designated government facility for giving his/her sample for H1N1 testing. After clinical assessment, the designated medical officer will decide on the need for further clinical tests. Except for cases that are severe, the patient will be allowed to go home (this was not allowed under the existing guidelines).
Samples will be collected from suspected cases and sent to the notified laboratory for testing. If tested positive for H1N1 and in case the symptoms are mild, the patient will be notified and given the option of admission into the hospital or isolation and treatment at his/her own home.
In case the patient opts for home isolation and treatment, he/she would be provided with detailed guidelines/safety measures to be strictly adhered to by the entire household of the patient. He/ she is required to provide full contact details of all household members and social contacts so that they may be provided with preventive treatment.
The decision of the doctor from the notified hospital regarding admitting the patient will be final. In case the test results are negative, the patient will be informed, accordingly.
Due to the onset of the influenza season in the country and to make the testing facility for H1N1 more accessible, Government of India has revised the existing guidelines.
Under the new guidelines, any person with flu like symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, cold, running nose etc. should go to a designated government facility for giving his/her sample for H1N1 testing. After clinical assessment, the designated medical officer will decide on the need for further clinical tests. Except for cases that are severe, the patient will be allowed to go home (this was not allowed under the existing guidelines).
Samples will be collected from suspected cases and sent to the notified laboratory for testing. If tested positive for H1N1 and in case the symptoms are mild, the patient will be notified and given the option of admission into the hospital or isolation and treatment at his/her own home.
In case the patient opts for home isolation and treatment, he/she would be provided with detailed guidelines/safety measures to be strictly adhered to by the entire household of the patient. He/ she is required to provide full contact details of all household members and social contacts so that they may be provided with preventive treatment.
The decision of the doctor from the notified hospital regarding admitting the patient will be final. In case the test results are negative, the patient will be informed, accordingly.
How to prevent the spread of H1N1 Flu
How to prevent the spread of H1N1 Flu?
Wash Your Hands:
Before eating or preparing food
After coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose
After using the washroom
Hand washing technique:
Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds. Rinse well, with hands held downward. Dry with a paper towel, then use the towel to turn off the faucet
If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand cleanser. Alcohol-based hand cleansers significantly reduce the number of germs
Spread of germs:
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs often spread when a person touches something contaminated and then touches their eyes, nose or mouth
Avoid close contact with people who are sick
Attempt to keep at least three (3) feet or one (1) meter away from ill individuals
When sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick
Practice respiratory etiquette. Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, use tissues and dispose them properly. Wash your hands afterwards
Wash Your Hands:
Before eating or preparing food
After coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose
After using the washroom
Hand washing technique:
Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds. Rinse well, with hands held downward. Dry with a paper towel, then use the towel to turn off the faucet
If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand cleanser. Alcohol-based hand cleansers significantly reduce the number of germs
Spread of germs:
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs often spread when a person touches something contaminated and then touches their eyes, nose or mouth
Avoid close contact with people who are sick
Attempt to keep at least three (3) feet or one (1) meter away from ill individuals
When sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick
Practice respiratory etiquette. Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, use tissues and dispose them properly. Wash your hands afterwards
Swine Flu Preventive Steps At Work Place
Workplace instructions if you become ill or exposed
If you have been diagnosed with H1N1 Flu or have symptoms of this illness including fever and cough, sore throat or body aches you are requested to refrain from coming into any IBM work environment (including customers).
Individuals providing direct care for someone with H1N1 Flu or symptoms of the illness are requested to refrain from coming into any IBM work environment (including customers).
This restriction applies for seven (7) calendar days from the last date of exposure to the ill person. During this time period, the exposed
individual should conduct self screening tests daily for identifying symptoms of illness.
Self screening
Individuals are asked to perform H1N1 Flu illness self screening, following exposure to a confirmed or suspected case. The following steps are to be conducted for self screening:
Step One: Check whether you have symptoms of illness including fever, cough, sore throat or body ache.
Step Two: Check your temperature using a standard, good quality thermometer following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Step Three: If you have symptoms as described in Step One or have a temperature greater than 100.4 deg F or 38 deg C, you are asked to refrain from coming into any IBM work environment. You must:
Notify your manager that you are unable to report to work
Contact designated government facilities for further health instructions
Refer to the guidance in Workplace Instructions in the link below
If you have been diagnosed with H1N1 Flu or have symptoms of this illness including fever and cough, sore throat or body aches you are requested to refrain from coming into any IBM work environment (including customers).
Individuals providing direct care for someone with H1N1 Flu or symptoms of the illness are requested to refrain from coming into any IBM work environment (including customers).
This restriction applies for seven (7) calendar days from the last date of exposure to the ill person. During this time period, the exposed
individual should conduct self screening tests daily for identifying symptoms of illness.
Self screening
Individuals are asked to perform H1N1 Flu illness self screening, following exposure to a confirmed or suspected case. The following steps are to be conducted for self screening:
Step One: Check whether you have symptoms of illness including fever, cough, sore throat or body ache.
Step Two: Check your temperature using a standard, good quality thermometer following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Step Three: If you have symptoms as described in Step One or have a temperature greater than 100.4 deg F or 38 deg C, you are asked to refrain from coming into any IBM work environment. You must:
Notify your manager that you are unable to report to work
Contact designated government facilities for further health instructions
Refer to the guidance in Workplace Instructions in the link below
How To Prevent Swine Flu While Travelling
Travel advisory from WHO
Is it safe to travel?
Yes. WHO is not recommending travel restrictions related to the outbreak of the influenza A(H1N1) virus. Today, global travel is commonplace and large numbers of people move around the world for business and leisure. Limiting travel and imposing travel restrictions would have very little effect on stopping the virus from spreading, but would be highly disruptive to the global community.
Influenza A(H1N1) has already been confirmed in many parts of the world. The global response now focuses on minimizing the impact of the virus through the rapid identification of cases, and providing patients with appropriate medical care, rather than on stopping its spread internationally.
Although identifying signs and symptoms of influenza in travellers can help track the path of the outbreak, it will not reduce the spread of influenza, as the virus can be transmitted from person to person before the onset of symptoms. Scientific research based on mathematical modelling shows that restricting travel would be of limited or no benefit in stopping the spread of disease. Historical records of previous influenza pandemics, as well as experience with SARS, validate this.
Does WHO recommend screenings at country entry and exit points to detect if ill people are travelling?
No. We do not believe entry and exit screenings would work to reduce the spread of this disease. However country-level measures to respond to a public health risk are the decision of national authorities, under the International Health Regulations 2005
Is it safe to travel?
Yes. WHO is not recommending travel restrictions related to the outbreak of the influenza A(H1N1) virus. Today, global travel is commonplace and large numbers of people move around the world for business and leisure. Limiting travel and imposing travel restrictions would have very little effect on stopping the virus from spreading, but would be highly disruptive to the global community.
Influenza A(H1N1) has already been confirmed in many parts of the world. The global response now focuses on minimizing the impact of the virus through the rapid identification of cases, and providing patients with appropriate medical care, rather than on stopping its spread internationally.
Although identifying signs and symptoms of influenza in travellers can help track the path of the outbreak, it will not reduce the spread of influenza, as the virus can be transmitted from person to person before the onset of symptoms. Scientific research based on mathematical modelling shows that restricting travel would be of limited or no benefit in stopping the spread of disease. Historical records of previous influenza pandemics, as well as experience with SARS, validate this.
Does WHO recommend screenings at country entry and exit points to detect if ill people are travelling?
No. We do not believe entry and exit screenings would work to reduce the spread of this disease. However country-level measures to respond to a public health risk are the decision of national authorities, under the International Health Regulations 2005
Countries that adopt measures that significantly interfere with international traffic (e.g. delaying an airplane passenger for more than 24 hours, or refusing country entry or departure to a traveller) must provide WHO with the public health reasoning and evidence for their actions. WHO will follow up with all of its Member countries on such matters. Travellers should always be treated with dignity and respect for their human rights.
How can I protect myself from influenza A(H1N1) when I am travelling?
People who are ill should delay travel plans. Returning travellers who become ill should contact their health care provider. Travellers can protect themselves and others by following simple prevention practices that apply while travelling and in daily life.
Swine Flu Preventive Medicines And Steps
Steps to Lessen the Spread of Flu in the Home
When providing care to a household member who is sick with influenza, the most important ways to protect yourself and others who are not sick are to:
· keep the sick person away from other people as much as possible (see “placement of the sick person”)
· remind the sick person to cover their coughs, and clean their hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub often, especially after coughing and/or sneezing.
· have everyone in the household clean their hands often, using soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub
Placement of the sick person:
· Keep the sick person in a room separate from the common areas of the house. (For example, a spare bedroom with its own bathroom, if that’s possible.) Keep the sickroom door closed.
· Unless necessary for medical care, persons with the flu should not leave the home when they have a fever or during the time that they are most likely to spread their infection to others
· If persons with the flu need to leave the home (for example, for medical care), they should cover their nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing and wear a loose-fitting (surgical) mask if available.
· Have the sick person wear a surgical mask if they need to be in a common area of the house near other persons.
· If possible, sick persons should use a separate bathroom. This bathroom should be cleaned daily with household disinfectant
Protect other persons in the home:
· The sick person should not have visitors other than caregivers. A phone call is safer than a visit.
· If possible, have only one adult in the home take care of the sick person.
· Avoid having pregnant women care for the sick person. (Pregnant women are at increased risk of influenza-related complications and immunity can be suppressed during pregnancy).
· All persons in the household should clean their hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub frequently, including after every contact with the sick person or the person’s room or bathroom.
· Use paper towels for drying hands after hand washing or dedicate cloth towels to each person in the household. For example, have different colored towels for each person.
· If possible, consideration should be given to maintaining good ventilation in shared household areas (e.g., keeping windows open in restrooms, kitchen, bathroom, etc.).
If you are the caregiver:
· Avoid being face-to-face with the sick person. · When holding small children who are sick, place their chin on your shoulder so that they will not cough in your face. · Clean your hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand rub after you touch the sick person or handle used tissues, or laundry. · Talk to your Doctor about taking antiviral medication to prevent the caregiver from getting the flu. · Monitor yourself and household members for flu symptoms and the local H1N1 Command Center if the symptoms occur.
Household Cleaning, Laundry, and Waste Disposal:
· Throw away tissues and other disposable items used by the sick person in the trash. Wash your hands after touching used tissues and similar waste. · Keep surfaces (especially bedside tables, surfaces in the bathroom, and toys for children) clean by wiping them down with a household disinfectant according to directions on the product label.
Linens, eating utensils, and dishes belonging to those who are sick do not need to be cleaned separately, but importantly these items should not be shared without washing thoroughly first. · Wash linens (such as bed sheets and towels) by using household laundry soap and tumble dry on a hot setting. Avoid “hugging” laundry prior to washing it to prevent contaminating yourself.
Clean your hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub right after handling dirty laundry. · Eating utensils should be washed either in a dishwasher or by hand with water and soap.
When providing care to a household member who is sick with influenza, the most important ways to protect yourself and others who are not sick are to:
· keep the sick person away from other people as much as possible (see “placement of the sick person”)
· remind the sick person to cover their coughs, and clean their hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub often, especially after coughing and/or sneezing.
· have everyone in the household clean their hands often, using soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub
Placement of the sick person:
· Keep the sick person in a room separate from the common areas of the house. (For example, a spare bedroom with its own bathroom, if that’s possible.) Keep the sickroom door closed.
· Unless necessary for medical care, persons with the flu should not leave the home when they have a fever or during the time that they are most likely to spread their infection to others
· If persons with the flu need to leave the home (for example, for medical care), they should cover their nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing and wear a loose-fitting (surgical) mask if available.
· Have the sick person wear a surgical mask if they need to be in a common area of the house near other persons.
· If possible, sick persons should use a separate bathroom. This bathroom should be cleaned daily with household disinfectant
Protect other persons in the home:
· The sick person should not have visitors other than caregivers. A phone call is safer than a visit.
· If possible, have only one adult in the home take care of the sick person.
· Avoid having pregnant women care for the sick person. (Pregnant women are at increased risk of influenza-related complications and immunity can be suppressed during pregnancy).
· All persons in the household should clean their hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub frequently, including after every contact with the sick person or the person’s room or bathroom.
· Use paper towels for drying hands after hand washing or dedicate cloth towels to each person in the household. For example, have different colored towels for each person.
· If possible, consideration should be given to maintaining good ventilation in shared household areas (e.g., keeping windows open in restrooms, kitchen, bathroom, etc.).
If you are the caregiver:
· Avoid being face-to-face with the sick person. · When holding small children who are sick, place their chin on your shoulder so that they will not cough in your face. · Clean your hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand rub after you touch the sick person or handle used tissues, or laundry. · Talk to your Doctor about taking antiviral medication to prevent the caregiver from getting the flu. · Monitor yourself and household members for flu symptoms and the local H1N1 Command Center if the symptoms occur.
Household Cleaning, Laundry, and Waste Disposal:
· Throw away tissues and other disposable items used by the sick person in the trash. Wash your hands after touching used tissues and similar waste. · Keep surfaces (especially bedside tables, surfaces in the bathroom, and toys for children) clean by wiping them down with a household disinfectant according to directions on the product label.
Linens, eating utensils, and dishes belonging to those who are sick do not need to be cleaned separately, but importantly these items should not be shared without washing thoroughly first. · Wash linens (such as bed sheets and towels) by using household laundry soap and tumble dry on a hot setting. Avoid “hugging” laundry prior to washing it to prevent contaminating yourself.
Clean your hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub right after handling dirty laundry. · Eating utensils should be washed either in a dishwasher or by hand with water and soap.
Symptoms of Swine Flu In Children and Adults
Symptoms In children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
· Fast breathing or trouble breathing
· Bluish or gray skin color
· Not drinking enough fluids
· Severe or persistent vomiting
· Not waking up or not interacting
· Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
· Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
· Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
· Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
· Sudden dizziness
· Confusion
· Severe or persistent vomiting
· Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
· Fast breathing or trouble breathing
· Bluish or gray skin color
· Not drinking enough fluids
· Severe or persistent vomiting
· Not waking up or not interacting
· Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
· Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
· Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
· Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
· Sudden dizziness
· Confusion
· Severe or persistent vomiting
· Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
Important Information for Swine Flu Treatment in Hyderabad
The Union Government has identified the Govt. General and Chest Diseases Hospital, Erragadda as the facility in Hyderabad for testing, isolation and critical care of suspected/confirmed swine flu patients. The Hyderabad Airport Limited has set up a screening facility at the Hyderabad International Airport for all the inbound passengers flying into the country to prevent the spread of H1N1. Doctors from the Hospital are round the clock screening the passengers at the Airport.
Govt. General and Chest Diseases Hospital, Erragadda , Hyderabad
Hospital Helpline Number - 040-23814939
Govt. General and Chest Diseases Hospital, Erragadda , Hyderabad
Hospital Helpline Number - 040-23814939
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Swine Flu To Aishwarya Rai
Swine Flu Victim Aishwarya Rai, Swine Flu Symptoms
Bollywood Heroine Aishwarya Rai Bachchan seems to be the latest victim of Swine Flu. Amitabh Bachchan yesterday wrote about Aishwarya’s illness in his Personal Blog.
“Aishwarya has taken ill and is down with chest infection and flu like symptoms. Had a high fever yesterday but is settling down today,”
Aishwarya was shooting for the film “Raavan“.
We wish Aishwarya Rai a Speedy recovery.
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