Beware the curse of swine flu

A ‘Prevention Home Vaccination Initiative’ has been launched by Nightingales Home Health Services as part of their endeavour towards creating awareness about swine flu

Nightingales Home Health Services urged people to get vaccinated before Swine Flu can make a comeback after monsoon. As part of their efforts towards creating awareness, the company launched the ‘Prevention Home Vaccination ‘Initiative and also urged people to utilise the national toll free number (1800-425-0095).

“This number can be used for information on Swine Flu symptoms,” informed Dr Vyakarnam Nageshwar, Pulmonologist at Nightingales at an awareness session conducted by the company at Hyderabad Press Club in Somajiguda on Saturday. Sudhaker Jadhav, Regional head of Nightingales Home Health Services also addressed the session.

“Generally swine flu cases rise during rainy season. Last year swine flu cases were witnessed during July, this year they are being reported now. As swine flu will be prevalent till the passage of rainy season people should be careful,” said Dr Vyakarnam Nageshwar, Pulmonologist.

At Gandhi Hospital two women died of swine flu and one more patient is kept under observation. A special ward has been dedicated to swine flu patients at the hospital. “Swine flu is caused by Influenza H1N1 and spreads from one person to another through droplet infection while sneezing or coughing. We suggest people to cover their mouth and to avoid contact with other persons like handshakes and hugging,” informed Dr Nageshwar.

“Flu vaccines are released each year to keep up with rapidly adapting viruses. There is one constant from year-to-year that does not change influenza is a respiratory infection that can cause serious complications, particularly to young children, older adults and people with certain medical conditions. Flu shots are the most effective way to prevent influenza and its complications,” he said.

The shots are now available with The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention who is recommending receiving the flu vaccine as soon as possible. “After all, it takes about two weeks after the vaccination is administered for our body’s immune system to fully respond,” added Dr Nageshwar.

On prevention
With swine flu leading to severe health problems in people with co-morbidity or with less immunity, like those suffering with diabetes, hypothyroidism, hypertension, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), heart problems, those who have undergone transplantation, among others, people should immediately approach doctor if they find any swine flu symptoms. Even pregnant women or those above 65 years and children should be extra cautious during the season.

“Healthy people can be completely cured within a week or two. Therefore if symptoms like fever, body pains, sneezing, among others are not controlled within three to five days people should immediately see a doctor to prevent swine flu from developing further,” cautioned the doctor. Jadhav mentioned four ways to prevent the disease as the main W’s that include ‘wash, wear, walk and be watchful’. “Firstly remember to wash regularly and periodically your hands with soap. Second thing is to wear a surgical mask to prevent transmission.

Third is to walk and stand at six ft distance from a swine flu symptom person and the fourth is be watchful and observing for any symptoms you or your family members have,” he said. “The good news is that Nightingales is providing vaccination at the comfort of your homes. A certified nurse will come and administer the vaccine at your doorstep. We also offering 40 per cent discount for each vaccine,” added Jadhav.