13th Feb - 2015
The GOOD and BAD news of H1N1 flu:
First the GOOD news: A recent study at National Institute of Virology, Pune, INDIA confirms that the H1N1 virus has NOT mutated and hence the existing medicines (Oseltamivir... ) can be effective.
The bad news: Even though we are in to second half of February and as per the experts claim that the spread of virus should be coming down due to the rise in temperature; the total death tally in the country has already crossed 450, while the infected are running into 4-digits. Experts say this time the virus is more "virulent"; the rise in +ve cases during this time is due to a greater awareness among the masses is the claim.
3rd January - 2015
In view of the upsurge in swine flu cases here in Hyderabad, INDIA; I thought of reviewing my first post written in 2009.....
Points to be remembered of H1N1 flu:
The incubation period of H1N1 is 1-4 days; i.e., after the person gets in touch with the infected human, it will take anywhere between 1-4 days for the virus to show its potential action.
H1N1 is highly contagious.... Again, the infected person is capable of transmitting this virus to others from the first day of his infection to almost 7-9 days.
Another important point to be noted is; it takes 10-12 days for the flu-vaccine to act on the body; this means the moment you get diagnosed with H1N1, there is no way that the vaccine is going to give a quick relief; however, there are few other medicines which will help in fighting the flu.
My old blog ( March - 2009):
Lets stop the H1N1 right at the door step. It is amazing to note that very simple precautions taken by each individual can protect her/himself for becoming one more memebr of the national count put up by the hyped media.
I like to give the credit of this INFO to one of the doctors at AIIMS, New Delhi, INDIA; from whose presentation most of the material is taken; it is for the benefit of millions of Indians that I decided to do this quickly. of course... it is my first blog.
Most N95 respirators are designed to filter 95% particulates of 0.3µ, while the size of H1N1 virus is about 0.1µ. Hence, dependence on N95 to protect against H1N1 is like protecting against rain with an umbrella made of mosquito net.
Tamiflu does not kill but prevents H1N1 from further proliferation till the virus limits itself in about 1-2 weeks (its natural cycle). H1N1, like other Influenza A viruses, only infects the upper respiratory tract and proliferates (only) there. The only portals of entry are the nostrils and mouth/ throat. In a global epidemic of this nature, it's almost impossible not coming into contact with H1N1 in spite of all precautions. Contact with H1N1 is not so much of a problem as proliferation is.
While you are still healthy and not showing any symptoms of H1N1 infection, in order to prevent proliferation, aggravation of symptoms and development of secondary infections, some very simple steps – not fully highlighted in most official communications - can be practised (instead of focusing on how to stock N95 or Tamiflu):
1. Frequent hand-washing (well highlighted in all official communications).
2. "Hands-off-the- face" approach.. Resist all temptations to touch any part of face (unless you want to eat, bathe or slap).
3. Gargle twice a day with warm salt water (use Listerine if you don't trust salt). H1N1 takes 2-3 days after initial infection in the throat/ nasal cavity to proliferate and show characteristic symptoms. Simple gargling prevents proliferation. In a way, gargling with salt water has the same effect on a healthy individual that Tamiflu has on an infected one. Don't underestimate this simple, inexpensive and powerful preventative method.
4. Similar to 3 above, clean your nostrils at least once every day with warm salt water. Not everybody may be good at Jala Neti or Sutra Neti (very good Yoga asanas to clean nasal cavities), but blowing the nose hard once a day and swabbing both nostrils with cotton buds dipped in warm salt water is very effective in bringing down viral population.
5. Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in Vitamin C (Amla and other citrus fruits). If you have to supplement with Vitamin C tablets, make sure that it also has Zinc to boost absorption.
6. Drink as much of warm liquids as you can. Drinking warm liquids has the same effect as gargling, but in the reverse direction. They wash off proliferating viruses from the throat into the stomach where they cannot survive, proliferate or do any harm.
All these are simple ways to prevent, within means of most households, and certainly much less painful than to wait in long queues outside Govt. hospitals.
Happy breathing!!
