12 Aug : We have made arrangements for screening of the patients with upper respiratory tract symptoms at 3 areas. In the emergency OPD (outside the gate), in the New OPD block (at the entrance) and in paediatrics OPD (on the 2nd floor). The suspected patients are sent to the communicable disease ward on the 3rd floor in radiotherapy wing of the Nehru Hospital for sample collections. The samples are being sent to NICD New Delhi for processing and the reports are available in 48 hours (due to heavy rush). Our laboratory will start testing as soon as the necessary permission is available.
In Communicable disease ward (CD ward), we have arrangements to keep 10 patients indoors and are at present having 6 patients admitted. In case of an increase in the number of patients, additional area for isolation have been identified.
Total patients reporting to screening areas on 12.8.09
Emergency 43
New OPD block 10
Paeds nil
Samples collected 6
Total Admitted pts 6
Commonly asked questions on Swine Flu
What is swine flu?
It is a viral disease, spread by Influenza H1N1 virus. It commonly causes infections in pigs but has now started causing infections in Human being and can be transmitted from human to human through infected secretions.
Is it dangerous for human?
The circulating strain of influenza (Swine flu) is H1N1 and it is the milder strain of influenza. It can be transmitted rapidly but 98% infected persons will have a very mild illness, which is self limiting. Only 2% will have prolonged and protracted serious course of the illness.
Who is at risk?
Swine flu can affect every one but the manifestations are severe in patients with underlying chronic illness, elderly, young children and immunocompromised individuals.
When shall I get tested for swine flu?
Since swine flu can not be differentiated from “common cold” or seasonal flu, it is very difficult to test each and every one for this illness. More over the facilities are limited and the cost of performing individual tests is very high (5000 rs per test). The physicians should use their assessment before referring the patients for testing.
If some one has symptoms of cough, runny nose with persistent high grade fever (> 100 degree F), develops tightness in chest or difficulty in breathing, he / she should be tested for swine flu. Patients with milder symptoms should just stay at home or consult their family doctors for symptomatic treatment.
Patients with history of international travel and a close contact with a proven H1N1 patient should report to the designated hospital as soon as the first symptoms of flu are noted.
What is the test used and where is it conducted?
H1N1 infection can be diagnosed by using RT PCR test. There are reference laboratories to conduct this test and till now no private laboratory is conducting this test. Some laboratories are using rapid diagnostic kits to test swine flu but its role in the diagnosis is not certain. A positive test does not mean that you have swine flu and a negative test does not rule out swine flu. These tests propagated by certain private laboratories are best avoided. One should consult the designated hospital in presence of severe symptoms and follow the doctors advice regarding test.
Should I attend to my duties/ send my child to school?
Any one with symptoms suggestive of flu should avoid going to crowded places and limit contact with people till the time symptoms subside. If your child has fever, sore throat and cough/sneezing, do not send him to school and limit his contact with other children till the time the symptoms have subsided.
One should stay at home till complete resolution of symptoms (no fever) or 3-5 days which ever is later.
Health care personal should not attend the duties till complete resolution of all the symptoms.
Should I go to see movies / go to crowded places?
The risk of coming in close contact is more in crowded places and the virus circulation is enhanced in close environment with recirculating air. Cinema halls, air conditioned malls are the crowded areas one should avoid.
Is it safe to travel?
Crowded public transport or AC buses/ trains are the areas with recirculating air. If it is a must to travel, one should be using masks for personal protection and try to avoid travel if you exhibit symptoms of flu.
Should I be wearing mask?
If you have symptoms of flu, you should be wearing a mask to prevent droplet spread. If it is not possible, use disposable tissues/ hankies while coughing or sneezing. Wash hands after coughing or sneezing. Wash infected clothing separately and avoid shaking hands with infected persons.
The person taking care of a proven H1N1 influenza should use masks and change it if it is wet or after 8-10 hours. Patient of confirmed H1N1 infection should also change the mask and dispose it properly every 10-12 hours.
Wearing the mask when on the road or moving outdoors is not recommended and is of no use.
Remember that an ill fitting mask or a mask not properly worn is more dangerous than not wearing a mask at all.
What kind of a mask should I be using?
For the patient with proven H1N1 infection and for the persons caring for him N 95 mask is the best. It prevents virus transmission from the patient to the caregiver. In the absence of N 95 mask a triple layered surgical mask can be used.
In case nothing is available any cotton cloth can be tied around the face to cover both the mouth and the nose.
What are the other precautions one can take?
Avoid shaking hands or wash hands immediately after hand shake or touching any surface while in a closed area with an infected person. The virus can survive in atmosphere on the surface for upto 8 hours.
Keeping a distance of 1 meter / 6 feet from an infected patient and whipping the surfaces clean repeatedly are the other precautions one can take.
What medications to be taken if one has “Mild symptoms”?
The routine over the counter available drugs (decongestants / anti allergic / antipyretics) can be taken. There is no need for antibiotics for mild flu.
What are the alarm symptoms?
High grade fever, persisting inspite of anti pyretic for more than 3 days, chest tightness, difficulty in breathing and colored sputum/ phlegm are the warning signs. You must report to your doctor if you have any of these signs.
Role of Tamiflu?
Tamiflu is the antiviral drug used to treat severe infections with H1N1. Presently it is indicated for treatment of proven H1N1 cases and prophylaxis of close contacts of positive cases. There is no role of tamiflu in prophylaxis in general public as its indiscriminate use will lead to resistance.
How to confirm that I got totally cured from H1N1 ?
Should I repeat PCR test?