BACKGROUND
- WHO (World Health Organization) has issued alerts against the developing situation regarding the outbreak of swine flu A(H1N1). Media reports indicate affected countries as Mexico, USA, Europe, Canada with reports of spreading across countries.
HOW SWINE FLU EMERGED
- The new virus has made a jump from pigs to humans and has demonstrated that it can also pass from human to human. This is the reason it is demanding so much attention from the health authorities. The virus passes from human to human like any other flu, either through coughing, sneezing, or even by touching infected areas, although little is known about how the virus acts on humans.
SYMPTOMS
- Fever
- Cough
- Sore Throat
- Body Aches
- Headache
- Chills and Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Vomit
- Burning Eyes
- Pneumonia
- Muscle/ Joint Aches
CHECKLIST
- Follow personal hygiene tips for safety
- Practice safe food consumption habits
- Exercise vigilance on environmental changes and contacts
- Watch out for authentic media news reports through usual communication channels
- Do not Panic or fear, Do not believe in rumors
TRAVEL CARE
- Personnel considering travel to foreign countries should be aware that if the virus continues to spread, restrictions on movement may be imposed with little or no notice. Significant further deterioration in the situation could lead the authorities in other countries to control/prohibit travel to and from effected areas placing restrictions on local and international travel
- At all International airports, currently travelers are being screened for symptoms of the virus. Personnel should allow additional time for transiting through airports throughout the region because of screening procedures
- Travelers should ensure that their medical insurance is up-to-date and that they know how to activate it. Travelers should also check that their medical insurance is valid for travel. Personnel should know where to seek medical assistance during their trip.
RESOURCES
- World Health Organization - http://www.who.int/
- UK Health Protection Agency - http://hpa.org.uk/
- Centers for Disease Control & Prevention- http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/general_info.htm
- You can also refer FAQs ( A WHO release) with regards to swine flu at: http://www.scribd.com/share/upload/14536828/2b08xv88lmovouw2w0yu
Please note:
This article on the Blog is supposed to serve ONLY as an aid to understand the various details of the swine influenza and NOT for creating or communicating any panic situation at any point of time.
