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SEPTEMBER 2009

H1N1: Dos & Don’ts

Dr Taher Kudrati & Sveta Bhassin

India, especially Maharashtra is currently fighting a terror attack in the form of Swine Flu also known in medical parlance as 'A-H1N1'.

The media is spilling over with reportage about people from all sections of society being affected by this deadly disease. But yet, not much is known about what exactly is Swine Flu, what are its symptoms, how can it be detected, what precautions should be taken, etc.

Normally epidemics strike in the slums where there is an absolute absence of hygiene. However, this time seems to be a different story altogether as the epidemic has engulfed all sections of society — the rich, poor, educated, uneducated, hygienic and unhygienic.

Swine Flu is a viral infection. Air is its major carrier but it also spreads through touch and consuming contaminated food and water. The H1N1 virus spreads through coughing or sneezing and you could also catch the infection if you touch something with the virus on it and then unknowingly touch your nose or mouth with those same infected hands.

Visit your doctor if you have a cold, cough
or flu-like symptoms
Even uncovered, unhygienically stored water and unhygienicaly cooked food are major risk factors since these are exposed to dirty hands and pollution. As with any other infection or epidemic, so with Swine Flu too, people with low immunity are more susceptible to catch this infection.

Symptoms are similar to those of normal influenza. You should immediately rush to the doctor if you have a cold, a running nose, incessant cough, severe body ache, joint pains accompanied with fever, loose motions, stomach aches, etc.

It is very important that you keep your surroundings hygienic. Avoid crowded places like railway stations, bazaars, cinema houses, restaurants, Ganesh pandals, etc. And in case you cannot avoid doing so, do not forget to cover your nose and mouth with a clean handkerchief or scarf that should be washed daily.

Wash your hands often
Since the virus is easily transmitted through touch, avoid touching surfaces in public places like restaurants, post offices and railway counters, and steer clear of using public phones and public toilets as much as possible.

Always keep a bottle of a sanitiser with you. It is easily available at any chemist's. In absence of soap and water, using a sanitiser is very effective since it kills almost 90% germs. And do remember not to use a common soap bar. Use soap only if it is in liquid form that is untouched and safe in its bottle.

However, there is no need to panic. If you have been always hygienic and have always been careful about your diet and always have been exercising regularly, nothing will happen to you. And for those who have not done so yet, it's NEVER TOO LATE. Start NOW.

It is said “A stitch in time saves nine” and “Precaution is better than cure”. Thus in these precarious times, it is very important that you adhere to good eating habits, exercise regularly come what may and thereby strengthen your immunity to fight this deadly virus.

Eat nutritious meals
You must consume wholesome and nutritiously well balanced meals comprising fresh fruits, fresh juices, all kinds of vegetables, dry fruits and if you are non-vegetarian, then freshly cut chicken, meat, fish and freshly laid eggs. Do not forget to include all kinds of grains, dals and pulses in your diet. These are good for building resistance against any infection.

Completely stay away from processed and preserved food like fried chips, instant, ready to eat food like instant noodles, among others as they not only contain dangerous levels of artificial preservatives but also contain high levels of artificial and synthetic ingredients like colours, essences and flavours that do nothing to the body but harm it. In these challenging times, that is the last thing you would want right?

Exercise your will-power to the fullest and do not at all eat any outside, uncovered, fast food, junk food sold by the roadside or even at the most posh joints. Fast food, roadside junk foods have no power to build your immunity since the excessive frying and exposure to dust and pollution kill all the nutrients and make them hazardous.

Do not drink water from public places and do not share your glasses or bottles with even your best friends. By doing so, in no way are you showing disrespect to him/her. Do not feel that it will make him/her feel that you love him/her any less. On the contrary, you are protecting both by reducing the chances of passing on the virus. Carry your own water and without doubt, drink only filtered and boiled water.

Get a good night’s sleep
DO NOT compromise on a good night's sleep. Nothing repairs the body and strengthens as much from any onslaught than a good eight hours of sleep. Never mind if you have to miss your favourite late night shows on TV or in the cinemas, but eight hours of sleep is a must.

Exercise helps improve lung capacity and also allows the nutrition to be transported well to all the tissues of the body. Exercise also strengthens the cardio respiratory system, thus it is very essential to exercise at least three hours a week. In low temperatures the H1N1 virus breeds fast and is very active. A regular steam inhalation will help to reduce the possibility of the virus getting cold environment to breed.

Keep fit
All those unfortunate people who have died of Swine Flu were already suffering from some infection or illness like pneumonia or had low haemoglobin and thus had a much depleted immune system. The first victim, a child from Pune, did not transfer the virus to her mother who was attending to the child continuously since she has a strong immune system. Eat well, drink well, sleep well and exercise regularly. “Early to bed, early to rise, makes a person Healthy, Wealthy and Wise”. So until next time, take care.
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