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.
- Stay at home, if advised by the doctor. Do not travel or go to work or school and reduce exposure within your household.
- Avoid close contact with others for 7 days after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours whichever is longer.
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