Swine flu virus is spreading its tentacles all over the world causing a panic like situation.
Though the panic is unnecessary but precautions should be a strict universal rule .High risk patients like those suffering from Asthma , Diabetes , children and aged and also those in whom the immune status is compromised need to be especially careful.
High nutritious status should be maintained , fasting to be avoided , medication should be regular , monitoring of basic disease more frequent , adequate fluid intake , avoidance of smoking , alcohol and drugs of abuse are a must.
Asthmatics should surely continue their preventive inhalers regularly and should always keep the emergency bronchodilator inhaler in pocket for ready use in case of urgent need in case of bronchospasm from any cause.
Exposure to irritants of respiratory tract like any smoke , pungent smells , strongperfumes, talcum powder, and other inhalant irritants to be avoided.
Precautions to keep away from those suffering from respiratory infections are the same universal such as to avoid contact with droplet infections from cough, sneezing or fomite contact.
Washing hands thoroughly and frequently should be a habit even in normal routine.
Use of masks , ordinary handkerchief or multilayered clean cloth to avoid contact with respiratory droplets is needed. The mask should be changed daily and secretions to be disposed of in tissue paper by burning. If handkerchief has been used it should be washed thoroughly with strong detergent , should be sun dried and should be ironed with hot iron to do away with the virus.
In case you have cold , cough , fever , running nose seek medical advise so that you can be observed, do not wait for severe symptoms like choking , chest tightness , drowsiness etc .
If these develop isolation and hospitalisation is a must and doctors would do the needful after sending the tests.
Treatment is available do not panic and do not pressurise the doctors to test you for swine flu.
Majority of patients are getting cured , so be positive and prudent. Spread awareness.
