The Scourge of Swine Flu and Preventions and Precautions required for countering it

While the death of Rida Sheikh, the first schoolgirl in India to die of Swine Flu, and the controversy that erupted after it, has highlighted the ugly faces of both the malady and the government, that has been blaming the child’s family for her demise and the consequent spread of the virus in Maharashtra, there is a dire need to be more vigilant about the disease and to take precautions for its prevention in case one comes across any tell-tale signs.

Though the Indian government is yet to do something about the disease that has already been declared a pandemic by the WHO, there is hardly time to sit around and wait for them to act. Instead of waiting for the administration to step in, the situation calls for some initiatives on the part of the public to curb the disease. Swine flu is no more restricted to the pigs, but as is already evident, has started infecting humans, with disastrous results.

Who are more at risk--Besides Rida Sheikh, several lives have been lost to the pandemic in the US, particularly in Mexico. Those who died were among the age group of 20 to 50 years. However, the disease knows no bias when it comes to infecting a person and can occur in anyone including children as in the case of Rida Sheikh if proper precautions are not taken. It can affect anyone with underlying health problems.

Commonly referred to as H1N1 virus, it has the capacity of being transferred from one person to another, which makes it all the more deadly. According to doctors and health experts, Swine Flu symptoms are much akin to the normal flu and include fever, cough, fatigue, body ache, besides nausea and diarrhea. These are largely witnessed among people who have visited the West. Hence it would be only wise to consult a doctor and start treatment as soon as the symptoms appear.

Precautions
The foremost and the chief among the precautions suggested by most doctors in this regard is maintenance of a healthy diet. Besides this adoption of healthy and hygienic practices as the habit of washing hands, especially after touching a contaminated surface, to ensure that the virus is not transmitted through the hands to oneself or anyone else.

Keeping the immune system strong by eating well is the most important thing that should be taken care of. Hence consuming healthy food to stay fit is very important. A wholesome diet comprising immunity boosters like whole grains, colorful vegetables and vitamin-rich fruits should be taken, while foods comprising sugar and fat should be avoided. One should duly avoid alcoholic beverages that are known to suppress the immunity.

Besides this one should drink plenty of water. Experts advise drinking 8 - 10 glasses of water a day to keep the body well hydrated. Exercising can help in flushing out toxins and can boost the immune system well, hence, due care should be taken to exercise and stay fit. And apart from this, nothing can help as well as a healthy and healing sleep, which can work wonders for anyone. Therefore it is advisable to go to bed in time and have a restful sleep as this can help a lot in keeping the disease at bay. However, one should also try and stay away from those who are infected with the disease.

Above all, one should stay stress free in all circumstances as anxiety can play a major dampener in one’s efforts to stay fit and healthy.

What to do if already infected
Keeping a level head at all times even in case if one is infected with the H1N1 virus can go a long way in helping to curb the disease from spreading or taking a deadly form. According to experts, this ailment can be tackled by taking some medicines that are available in the market, but in consultation with and under the watchful eye of an experienced doctor. Some experts even advise taking medication along with doses of Vitamin C plus Hydrogen peroxide. The least that an infected person can do to prevent the disease from spreading to others is not to mingle with others and stay at home. Following precautions as covering one’s mouth while coughing or sneezing can help a lot in such situations.

Linus Orakles
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