CALCULATED RISK-RASH

“Take calculated risks. That is quite different from being rash.”
―George S. Patton



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Prevention and Treatment

What is Flu

Flu is a type of chest infection caused by a virus. These viruses are usually treated by preventing them happening in very vulnerable people in the population like children, elderly and those people who are prone to breating problems like people with Asthma

It is usually prevented by Vaccination every year especially before winter when people are more prone for Flu infections.

Swine Flu

The Flu virus is known to change its structure everyfew years. Swine flu originated by a change in structure of a flu virus found commonly in pigs. It does not mean Pigs are transmitting the illness now because the disease is now spread from person to person.

It is more infective because people have no immunity for it. However it can usually be managed by appropriate care.

Prevention

When the number of cases of Flu are few people can be kept in isolation to prevent further spread. However in the case of Swine Flu it has spread more widely and isolating so many people is not possible. It can also be aided by giving antiflu medication to close relatives.

Treatment

Rising numbers of swine flu cases mean trying to contain the virus is no longer an option. Therefore we are now in a treatment phase. It means anti-flu drugs will no longer be given to the close contacts or relatives of those infected nor will lab testing be done to confirm cases.

This move relieves the pressure on the health service.

It does not mean the pandemic virus is becoming more deadly just that it can no longer be contained.

When people are displaying symptoms, they should contact the doctors phone. If doctors believe the person is suffering from swine flu they will be told to stay at home and be given a prescription which a friend or family member can take to a drug collection point, such as a pharmacy.

Doctors will have the discretion not to prescribe anti-viral drugs. Some experts believe the drugs should just be targeted at the most vulnerable as the virus is quite mild and overuse can lead to resistance. However politicians have rejected this option. Doctors may want to limit use in certain situations such as where patients are suffering milder symptoms.

The need for lab testing will be lifted if cases are too many especially in cities

Containment Strategy

Other parts of the country will continue operating a containment strategy, which means cases had to be confirmed and drugs were also offered to close contacts in a bid to prevent flu developing. It may also lead to the closure of several schools. But shut downs need not be routine.

Attempts to contain the virus have been worthwhile and efforts during the containment phase in many countries have given us precious opportunity and time to learn more about the virus.

Vaccines for the new virus are expected to available from next month,
Enough vaccine to cover the whole UK population and many developed countries are in order and our Indian Government has not made its strategy clear.

In the current climate it would be impossible to limit the spread of what is a contagious virus indefinitely. Most people who died have had underlying health problems.

A dedicated flu helpline may be helpful

The public's response to swine flu has been very good and avoided any panic. Most people are anxious about the Flu outbreak with only few report high anxiety and worry. Many people have not yet changed the frequency with which they wash their hands, despite this being one of the core messages of the public health campaign.

However the researchers say their findings suggest it is better to keep the public fully informed as much as possible to maximise the chance they will make changes to their behaviour.



The treatment phase is an acknowledgement that the virus can no longer be contained
Many people reporting symptoms will no longer be tested but will be treated
If people have uncomplicated symptoms drugs will be arranged for them and they will be told to stay at home
Doctors have been given the discretion not to prescribe anti-flu drugs
Please contact viyarogya@gmail.com for further information




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