H1N1 (Swine) Flu FAQ
Date: 10th August 2009
What is H1N1 (Swine) Flu?
H1N1 (Swine) flu is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by Type A influenza viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs. Recently, this virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. This virus is spreading from person-to-person, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread.
What are the signs and symptoms of swine flu in people?
The symptoms of Influenza-like-illness (ILI) caused by H1N1 swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhoea and vomiting associated with H1N1 swine flu. Severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and even deaths have been reported with H1N1 swine flu infection. Like seasonal flu, H1N1 swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic diseases.
In children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
Fast breathing or difficulty in breathing
Bluish or gray skin colour
Not drinking enough fluids
Severe or persistent vomiting
Not waking up or not interacting
Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
Difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath
Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
Sudden dizziness
Confusion
Severe or persistent vomiting
Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
What if I have Influenza-Like-Illness?
In general, employees are reminded that if they are having Influenza-like illness (ILI) they should take appropriate measures to ensure a speedy recovery including seeking medical assistance, taking appropriate rest and sick leave. Your health care provider will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed. If you are sick, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others.
Do not come to work if:
You have experienced symptoms of an influenza-like illness
You have had direct contact with a confirmed infected person in the last seven days
You have children in the same class as a confirmed infected person
A member of your household has had direct contact with a confirmed infected person during the last seven days
Staff should contact their supervisor as soon as reasonably possible under the above circumstances. Supervisor should, in turn, notify their Departmental or Divisional Human Resources representatives.
Staff is advised to monitor their health and not work from home in case they are staying home due to medical reasons. In addition, staff should resume office 24 hours after becoming symptom free.
Can I take some preventive medicines? Is there a vaccine for H1N1 Flu?
No. There are no preventive medicines or vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu. Vaccine against Swine Flu virus H1N1 needs at least 6-12 months to be produced. The Government of India has a plan to have indigenous vaccine by the end of this year to tackle the H1N1 virus. At least three companies are working on the vaccine.
There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza (see "What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?" below).
Are there medicines to treat H1N1 (swine) flu?
Yes. The use of oseltamivir (Tamiflu®) or zanamivir (Relenza®) is recommended for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with these swine influenza viruses. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within two days of symptoms).
How do you catch H1N1 (swine) flu?
H1N1 virus appears to be transmitted the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
How can someone with the flu infect someone else?
Infected people may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 7 or more days after becoming sick. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.
What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?
There is no vaccine available right now to protect against H1N1 (swine) flu. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health:
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it
Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way
Try to avoid close contact with sick people
If you get sick with influenza, you should stay at home and not go for work or school and limit contact with others to prevent them from getting infecting by you
Reduce the time spent in the crowded settings
Improve airflow in the living space by opening the windows and proper ventilation
Practice good health habits including adequate sleep, eating nutritious food, and keeping physically active
What is the best way to keep from spreading the virus through coughing or sneezing?
If you are sick, limit your contact with other people as much as possible
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. Put your used tissue in the waste basket
Cover your cough or sneeze if you do not have a tissue. Then, clean your hands, and do so every time you cough or sneeze
What is the best technique for washing my hands to avoid getting the flu?
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Wash with soap and water or clean with alcohol-based hand cleaner.
When you wash your hands -- with soap and warm water -- that you wash for 15 to 20 seconds. When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used. You can find them in most supermarkets and drugstores.
If using gel, rub your hands until the gel is dry. The gel doesn't need water to work; the alcohol in it kills the germs on your hands.
What surfaces are most likely to be sources of contamination? The virus can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with the virus and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air. The virus can then be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk, doorknob, child’s toy or phone handset and then touches their own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands.
How long can influenza virus remain viable on objects (such as books and doorknobs)?
Studies have shown that influenza virus can survive on environmental surfaces and can infect a person for up to 2-8 hours after being deposited on surfaces like cafeteria tables, doorknobs, and desks.
How are human infections with swine influenza diagnosed?
To diagnose swine influenza A infection, a respiratory specimen would generally need to be collected within the first 4 to 5 days of illness (when an infected person is most likely to be shedding virus).
However, some persons, especially children, may shed virus for 10 days or longer.
Identification as a swine flu influenza A virus requires sending the specimen to a hospital laboratory for testing.
Can humans catch swine flu from pigs?
Swine flu viruses do not normally infect humans. However, sporadic human infections with swine flu have occurred. Most commonly, these cases occur in persons with direct exposure to pigs (for example, children near pigs at a fair or workers in the swine industry).
Is it safe to eat pork and pork products?
Yes. Swine flu has not been shown to be transmissible to people through properly prepared pork. As always, pork should be cooked to 160 degrees F/70 degrees C.
What is the current travel advisory?
Government of India advises all its citizens to defer non essential travel to all the affected countries. The list of affected countries is being constantly updated on http://www.who.int
Are there any changes to sick leave?
No. In case of employee does not have sufficient leaves then decision will be taken on a case to case basis. Any changes to the leave policy will be intimated to all staff.
Do we have a list of government authorized hospitals for treatment of Swine Flu?
Yes. Please refer to the table below.
GOVERNMENT AUTHORIZED HOSPITALS FOR TREATMENT OF SWINE FLU
City
Hospital
Address
Contact
Chennai
King Institute of Preventive Medicine (24/7 Service)
Guindy, Chennai – 32
(044) 22501520, 22501521 & 22501522
Communicable Diseases Hospital
Thondiarpet, Chennai
(044) 25912686/87/88, 9444459543
Government General Hospital
Opp. Central Railway Station, Chennai – 03
(044) 25305000, 25305723, 25305721, 25330300
Pune
Naidu Hospital
Nr Le'Meridian, Raja Bahadur Mill, GPO, Pune – 01
(020) 26058243
National Institute of Virology
20A Ambedkar Road, Pune – 11
(020) 26006290
Kolkata
ID Hospital
57,Beliaghata, Beliaghata Road, Kolkata - 10
(033) 23701252
Coimbatore
Government General Hospital
Near Railway Station,
(0422) 2301393, 2301394, 2301395, 2301396
Trichy Road, Coimbatore – 18
Hyderabad
Govt. General and Chest Diseases Hospital,
Erragadda, Hyderabad
(040) 23814939
Mumbai
Kasturba Gandhi Hospital
Arthur Road, N M Joshi Marg, Jacob Circle, Mumbai – 11
(022) 23083901, 23092458, 23004512
Sir J J Hospital
J J Marg, Byculla, Mumbai - 08
(022) 23735555, 23739031, 23760943, 23768400 / 23731144 / 5555 / 23701393 / 1366
Haffkine Institute
Acharya Donde Marg, Parel, Mumbai – 12
(022) 24160947, 24160961, 24160962
Kerala
Government Medical College
Gandhi Nagar P O, Kottayam - 08
(0481) 2597311,2597312
Government Medical College
Vandanam P O, Allapuzha - 05
(0477) 2282015
Date: 10th August 2009
What is H1N1 (Swine) Flu?
H1N1 (Swine) flu is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by Type A influenza viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs. Recently, this virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. This virus is spreading from person-to-person, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread.
What are the signs and symptoms of swine flu in people?
The symptoms of Influenza-like-illness (ILI) caused by H1N1 swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhoea and vomiting associated with H1N1 swine flu. Severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and even deaths have been reported with H1N1 swine flu infection. Like seasonal flu, H1N1 swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic diseases.
In children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
Fast breathing or difficulty in breathing
Bluish or gray skin colour
Not drinking enough fluids
Severe or persistent vomiting
Not waking up or not interacting
Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
Difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath
Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
Sudden dizziness
Confusion
Severe or persistent vomiting
Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
What if I have Influenza-Like-Illness?
In general, employees are reminded that if they are having Influenza-like illness (ILI) they should take appropriate measures to ensure a speedy recovery including seeking medical assistance, taking appropriate rest and sick leave. Your health care provider will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed. If you are sick, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others.
Do not come to work if:
You have experienced symptoms of an influenza-like illness
You have had direct contact with a confirmed infected person in the last seven days
You have children in the same class as a confirmed infected person
A member of your household has had direct contact with a confirmed infected person during the last seven days
Staff should contact their supervisor as soon as reasonably possible under the above circumstances. Supervisor should, in turn, notify their Departmental or Divisional Human Resources representatives.
Staff is advised to monitor their health and not work from home in case they are staying home due to medical reasons. In addition, staff should resume office 24 hours after becoming symptom free.
Can I take some preventive medicines? Is there a vaccine for H1N1 Flu?
No. There are no preventive medicines or vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu. Vaccine against Swine Flu virus H1N1 needs at least 6-12 months to be produced. The Government of India has a plan to have indigenous vaccine by the end of this year to tackle the H1N1 virus. At least three companies are working on the vaccine.
There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza (see "What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?" below).
Are there medicines to treat H1N1 (swine) flu?
Yes. The use of oseltamivir (Tamiflu®) or zanamivir (Relenza®) is recommended for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with these swine influenza viruses. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within two days of symptoms).
How do you catch H1N1 (swine) flu?
H1N1 virus appears to be transmitted the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
How can someone with the flu infect someone else?
Infected people may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 7 or more days after becoming sick. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.
What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?
There is no vaccine available right now to protect against H1N1 (swine) flu. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health:
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it
Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way
Try to avoid close contact with sick people
If you get sick with influenza, you should stay at home and not go for work or school and limit contact with others to prevent them from getting infecting by you
Reduce the time spent in the crowded settings
Improve airflow in the living space by opening the windows and proper ventilation
Practice good health habits including adequate sleep, eating nutritious food, and keeping physically active
What is the best way to keep from spreading the virus through coughing or sneezing?
If you are sick, limit your contact with other people as much as possible
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. Put your used tissue in the waste basket
Cover your cough or sneeze if you do not have a tissue. Then, clean your hands, and do so every time you cough or sneeze
What is the best technique for washing my hands to avoid getting the flu?
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Wash with soap and water or clean with alcohol-based hand cleaner.
When you wash your hands -- with soap and warm water -- that you wash for 15 to 20 seconds. When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used. You can find them in most supermarkets and drugstores.
If using gel, rub your hands until the gel is dry. The gel doesn't need water to work; the alcohol in it kills the germs on your hands.
What surfaces are most likely to be sources of contamination? The virus can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with the virus and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air. The virus can then be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk, doorknob, child’s toy or phone handset and then touches their own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands.
How long can influenza virus remain viable on objects (such as books and doorknobs)?
Studies have shown that influenza virus can survive on environmental surfaces and can infect a person for up to 2-8 hours after being deposited on surfaces like cafeteria tables, doorknobs, and desks.
How are human infections with swine influenza diagnosed?
To diagnose swine influenza A infection, a respiratory specimen would generally need to be collected within the first 4 to 5 days of illness (when an infected person is most likely to be shedding virus).
However, some persons, especially children, may shed virus for 10 days or longer.
Identification as a swine flu influenza A virus requires sending the specimen to a hospital laboratory for testing.
Can humans catch swine flu from pigs?
Swine flu viruses do not normally infect humans. However, sporadic human infections with swine flu have occurred. Most commonly, these cases occur in persons with direct exposure to pigs (for example, children near pigs at a fair or workers in the swine industry).
Is it safe to eat pork and pork products?
Yes. Swine flu has not been shown to be transmissible to people through properly prepared pork. As always, pork should be cooked to 160 degrees F/70 degrees C.
What is the current travel advisory?
Government of India advises all its citizens to defer non essential travel to all the affected countries. The list of affected countries is being constantly updated on http://www.who.int
Are there any changes to sick leave?
No. In case of employee does not have sufficient leaves then decision will be taken on a case to case basis. Any changes to the leave policy will be intimated to all staff.
Do we have a list of government authorized hospitals for treatment of Swine Flu?
Yes. Please refer to the table below.
GOVERNMENT AUTHORIZED HOSPITALS FOR TREATMENT OF SWINE FLU
City
Hospital
Address
Contact
Chennai
King Institute of Preventive Medicine (24/7 Service)
Guindy, Chennai – 32
(044) 22501520, 22501521 & 22501522
Communicable Diseases Hospital
Thondiarpet, Chennai
(044) 25912686/87/88, 9444459543
Government General Hospital
Opp. Central Railway Station, Chennai – 03
(044) 25305000, 25305723, 25305721, 25330300
Pune
Naidu Hospital
Nr Le'Meridian, Raja Bahadur Mill, GPO, Pune – 01
(020) 26058243
National Institute of Virology
20A Ambedkar Road, Pune – 11
(020) 26006290
Kolkata
ID Hospital
57,Beliaghata, Beliaghata Road, Kolkata - 10
(033) 23701252
Coimbatore
Government General Hospital
Near Railway Station,
(0422) 2301393, 2301394, 2301395, 2301396
Trichy Road, Coimbatore – 18
Hyderabad
Govt. General and Chest Diseases Hospital,
Erragadda, Hyderabad
(040) 23814939
Mumbai
Kasturba Gandhi Hospital
Arthur Road, N M Joshi Marg, Jacob Circle, Mumbai – 11
(022) 23083901, 23092458, 23004512
Sir J J Hospital
J J Marg, Byculla, Mumbai - 08
(022) 23735555, 23739031, 23760943, 23768400 / 23731144 / 5555 / 23701393 / 1366
Haffkine Institute
Acharya Donde Marg, Parel, Mumbai – 12
(022) 24160947, 24160961, 24160962
Kerala
Government Medical College
Gandhi Nagar P O, Kottayam - 08
(0481) 2597311,2597312
Government Medical College
Vandanam P O, Allapuzha - 05
(0477) 2282015
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