Chandigarh , 1 July : The Institute Foundation Day will be celebrated in PGIMER on 7th July, 2009 at 3.30 pm in Bhargava Auditorium. Prof.Samir K.Brahmachari, Director General, Council of Scientific & Industrial Research & Secretary, Govt. of India, Department of Scientific & Industrial Research, New Delhi will be the Chief Guest.
An exhibition will be organized by School of Public Health, PGIMER Chandigarh on Influenza-A (H1N1) to mark the Foundation Day at Zakir Hall, PGIMER, Chandigarh. The exhibition will be open for general public from 9 am to 5 pm.
Influenza A virus subtype H1N1, also known as A (H1N1), is a subtype of influenza virus A and the most common cause of influenza (flu) in humans.
When people are infected with H1N1 viruse, their symptoms are usually similar to those of normal seasonal influenza. These include fever, tiredness, lack of appetite, coughing and a sore throat. Some people may also have vomiting and diarrhoea.
This new influenza virus is thought to spread in the same way as seasonal flu; in tiny droplets, expelled from the mouth and nose of an infected person when they talk, cough or sneeze. People may get infected if they breathe in these droplets or if they touch someone or something that is contaminated with the virus (e.g. a used tissue or door handle), and then touch their nose or eyes.
Is treatment available?
Antiviral medicines, such as oseltamivir or zanamivir, are available from your GP. These may shorten the illness and reduce the risk of complications. These drugs may cause side-effects and are not suitable for everyone, so your GP will only prescribe them if the benefits outweigh the risks.
What precautions can I take to help protect myself and my family?
Good hygiene can help to reduce the spread of a wide range of viruses, including influenza viruses. The Health Protection Agency advises everyone to follow these precautions at all times:
* Frequently wash your hands with soap and water.
* When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue if possible.
* Dispose of used tissues promptly and carefully. Put them in a bag and then bin them.
* Clean hard surfaces (e.g. door handles) frequently.
* Ensure children follow this advice.
If you intend to travel to an affected country, you should check the advice provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. The Health Protection Agency website provides comprehensive advice for people returning to the India from a country affected by influenza A (H1N1). If the disease begins to affect more people in the India, more information will be made available through leaflets, websites and the media. This will tell you how you can help protect yourself and your family and what to do if you think you are infected.