Health department issues advisory for seasonal Influenza A (H1N1)

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Health department issues advisory for seasonal Influenza A (H1N1)

KI Singh/ royalpatiala.in/ Chandigarh

Due to onset of winter season, there is an expected upsurge of Influenza like illness (ILI) cases in the region. Being a viral disease it is a self limiting one but if symptoms do not subside we should report to nearest health facility. To alert general public about Seasonal influenza A (H1N1) occurrence it is being advised; younger than 5

Look for these symptoms:

FEVER and other symptoms may include

Cough
Sore Throat
Runny or stuffy nose
Difficulty in breathing
Body Aches
Headache
Chills
Diarrhoea
Vomiting
Blood in sputum
Fatigue

People with certain chronic conditions (Diabetes, hypertension, airway disease and heart disease etc), adults 65 years or older, children younger than 5 years and pregnant women may be at higher risk for severe illness.

DO’s & Don’ts

Do’s

Cover your mouth and nose with a handkerchief or tissue when you cough or sneeze and dispose off these properly.
Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol based hand gel.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
Avoid crowded places
Stay more than an arm’s length from persons afflicted with flu
Get plenty of sleep
Drink plenty of water and eat nutritious food

Do Not

Shake hands or hug in greeting
Spit in public
Take medicines without consulting a physician

IF YOU THINK YOU HAVE Influenza like illness:

Report to nearest identified health facility if symptoms aggravate (high fever, difficulty in breathing, blue colour of the skin or lips, blood in sputum or altered behaviour. Small children may be irritable, do not take fluids and refuse to accept feeds.