Our priceless sacred lives are struggling in a tumultuous time where its basic existence is challenged by the huge wrath of a very minute form of nature. It seems that the deadly swine flu wasn’t properly buried last time which sneaking out from the tiny hole of its grave has become a big reality. Swine influenza is haunting us as a huge black shadow and has taken a toll of 703 lives as yet however; this looming danger can be averted if we are possessed with its knowhow and ways to wall its spread.
What is Swine Flu?
Swine flu started off as a respiratory disease caused by a virus that affected the respiratory tract of pigs. In 1930 swine influenza virus detached from pigs and began affecting humans who worked close to pigs in U.S.A. In a genetic mutation, this virus was named H1N1 after a major outbreak in 2009 which was further spread to the world.
Clearing all the clouds of confusion, the H1N1 virus spreads through person to person. Exposure to infected droplets through coughing and sneezing of other people can lead to its spread through inhalation. Contrary to famous beliefs, it’s not transmitted by eating cooked pork products.
Hope to avoid these symptoms
The symptoms of swine flu is quite similar to seasonal influenza which sometimes create confusion about the nature of the disease however, one thing which is very clearly understood is that you need to rush to a doctor if you come across any of the following:
- Headache
- Runny nose
- High grade fever
- A sore throat
- Severe cough
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
Some emergency warning signs include difficulty in breathing, sudden dizziness and pain in abdomen. Similarly, not drinking enough fluids, feeling extremely cranky and no tears while crying are some warning signs in children.
Get well soon- tests and treatments
People on high vulnerability such as pregnant women, people beyond 65 and children under five years of age go through complex tests. Unlike earlier, doctors around the globe have succeeded in bringing out a sustainable cure to this deadly pandemic. Considering the similarity between most of the seasonal and swine flu, most antiviral drugs are same. Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) which is only available in some pockets of our country and Zanamivir (Relenza) works best which help you to recover faster and also avoid these worst conditions.
Some vaccines have also been developed which are either injected or given as nasal spray which prevents Swine Flu, it builds up a strong immune against H1N1 virus. All of us should ensure to get us vaccinated to prevent this deadly disease.
Prevention is better than cure
The saying above though old, holds a lot of effect so be it any case we should impress the following preventive measures in our daily lives:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a disposable cloth or flu masks especially when coughing and sneezing.
- Do not spit in public.
- Get plenty of sleep.
- Away from flu victims.
- Wash hands regularly with soap and water.
- Don’t take medicines without consulting the doctor.
- Drink plenty of fluids.
The contagious swine Flu is making conditions precarious for survival and the number of infected patients is infected patients is soaring like a forest fire with the number of cases crossing the 11000 mark as has swallowed 703 lives in the country. The hideous aspect however, remains its outbreak in till now immune regions like Nagaland and Mizoram. As far as the conditions in the capital are concerned, 1789 people have been tested positive so far out of which six lost the battle.
Amid some hilarious comments like swine flu is borne out by mosquitoes by Mamata Bannerji, our Cabinet Secretary Ajit Seth has taken charge by commanding the set up of round-the-clock helplines and advised private labs to not charge beyond Rs. 4500. Prime Minister on the other hand pronounced that there shouldn’t be any shortage of medicines.
The red warning light is glowing very brightly making lives in India quite vulnerable. In many instances, I have come across carefree attitude of people which hinges on deep faith that they would surely fall on the spared side but cases like Ashok Gehlot, former Chief Minister of Rajasthan catching it should challenge the above belief. It’s high time and we need to understand the worth of our lives as well as those attached with us. We pray for the victims and advise others to PREVENT it.
Zainab Rashid
