TAB: After news arrived of Sushma (50), a
lady from Dramman succumbing to Swine Flu on February 26, an awareness lecture
on the Swine Flu epidemic was organized at the CUHP. “Social networking sites
are spreading many myths, like the camphor and cardamom powder medicine.”
warned Dr. Sushil Sharma, Block Medical Officer, while addressing the students
and faculty.
To
guard against the Swine Flu infection, Dr. Sharma urged the students to boost
their natural immunity – by eating Vitamins C rich food, regularly washing
their hands, gargling with warm salt water twice a day, and cleaning their
nostrils with warm salt water. One can also wear a mask as an added measure.
Symptoms
of infection caused by the Swine Flu virus can fall into 3 categories. Mild
fever, cough or sore throat, body ache, or vomiting are Category A symptoms,
while Category B includes the same symptoms but in a higher degree. In both
cases however, testing is not required, “Instead, taking rest in isolation and
symptomatic treatment will be enough”, said Dr. Sharma.
Under
Category C, the patient may experience breathlessness, chest pain, drowsiness,
low blood pressure, sputum with blood and discoloration of nails. This requires immediate testing, treatment,
and possible hospitalization.
In
Himachal, 37 cases have tested positive of Swine Flu, while the death toll has
reached 9, of which 5 were from Kangra district. IGMC, Shimla and RPGMC, Tanda
are the authorized centers to handle Swine Flu cases in the state.