Hot and humid climatic conditions around this time of the year often result in people falling sick. When symptoms like fever, cough, cold, sore throat, running nose or fatigue begin to show, most of us take self-medication for treatment of flu. However, seeing the recent increase in patients of swine flu, one should be aware of this possibility as well.

What is swine fluIJ

Swine flu is spread by H1N1 virus, which has evolved as a combination of three kinds of viruses in pigs. It is categorised as an air-borne infection that is highly communicable and easily transmitted from one person to another.

The H1N1 first spread fast during 2009 in many countries and the World Health Organisation (WHO) called it a pandemic. The cyclical nature of the virus means there is a spurt in cases and deaths every few years.

H1N1 can get severely debilitating and fatal — especially for people who are immune compromised like those with cancer, diabetes and HIV. However, it is manageable to a certain extent with timely blood test and prescribed medicines. Since the disease takes a toll on your immune system, it is advisable to eat well and bolster the immunity level.

Avoid self-medication

Still, precaution and prevention are the best measures to stave off the disease. These include covering the mouth or nose while coughing and sneezing, washing hands frequently, avoiding crowded places, maintaining a distance from a person suffering from flu, avoiding handshakes, etc. Also do not self-medicate.

If a person has few symptoms beyond two-three days or comes in contact with anyone who becomes a confirmed case of swine flu infection, then a doctor must be consulted immediately. A course of Tamiflu (Oseltamivir phosphate) for a period of five days is recommended in such cases. Usually the family and friends, who may have come in contact with patients, undergo this regime to rule out the possibility of the disease spreading, while the patient is kept in isolation to limit the spread.

Swine flu can be prevented by effective vaccination. The flu vaccine which is meant for the common influenza virus also prevents swine flu and is valid for one year. A flu vaccine routine under the guidance of a certified medical practitioner can not only prevent the normal flu but also save you from swine flu infection.

It is a must for children, the elderly or people with low immunity as they are especially at risk. It costs about Rs 500 to Rs 600 and can be given to children as well as adults. One vaccine shot can save you thousands of rupees in treatment.

Take rest, eat well

While undergoing treatment, one must have ample of rest. Avoid close contact with other people. Infected persons should be assumed to be contagious up to seven days from the onset of illness. Since the disease takes a toll on immune system, it is advisable to consume foods that can bolster up your immunity.

Drink plenty of fluids and keep away from spicy, fried or junk food. The meals must be easy to digest and light on stomach. Avoiding fats and carbohydrates mostly.

Try to keep away from crowded places if you have fever or sore throat. Maintain personal hygiene by washing hands properly. If you are visiting any affected person, maintain some distance. One should go for a gentle walk to get some fresh air. But don't over-exercise.

Remember: A simple sneeze can cause thousands of germs to spread through the air. The virus can linger on tables and surface areas like door knobs, waiting to be picked up. The best means of dealing with swine flu is to prevent it. So the message is very clear — one shot of influenza vaccination every year shall protect all from the condition that is swine flu.

(The writer is Senior Consultant (Internal Medicine), Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi)