Mangalore: Swine Flu - Don't Panic , Follow Simple Steps
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (SP)
Mangalore, Aug 13: Many people have felt that the hype created about swine flu is unjustified, and that strengthening of the immune system through simple measures and following certain simple steps in case the symptoms give rise to suspicion about the presence of this disease, would take care of things. The percentage of swine flue-affected people is negligible and most of the people in whom swine flu presence was confirmed, have recovered, they point out.
Founder of Art of Living Foundation, Bangalore, Sri Sri Ravishankar, said that Ayurveda has potent medicines to stop the spread of swine flu. He also added that getting panicky and fearful weakens the immunity. Practising Pranayama (controlled breathing) and meditation play a significant role in calming down a distressed mind, he noted. Sri Sri Ayurveda Centre's doctors Dr Manikantan and Dr Nisha Manikantan noted that swine flu infections spread because of the breaking down of the immune system. For building resistance, tea made by using Lakshmi Tari (Simarouba) leaves, tulsi (basil) leaves and amla ( Indian gooseberry) improve the immunity. Consumption of ginger and turmeric (haldi) powder, mixed with either lime juice or honey, either alternatively or additionally, twice a day, also work wonders to enhance immunity, they noted. Burning of Sambrani (frankincense) twice a day at home can counter the airborne swine flu viruses, they claimed.
In case symptoms like fever, sneezing, cough, sore throat, cold, running nose etc., persist, the family physician has to be consulted, and if he feels the need, the person has to get himself tested at the designated testing centre. It may be noted that visiting a country where swine flu is present in endemic proportions and meeting or living with a person who has swine flu, multiply the chances for contracting this disease. If you suffer from suspected swine flu, always wear the mask while moving out, as coughing and sneezing are the major channels through which this disease spreads.
After the medical officer checks the suspected patient for the symptoms of pneumonia, chest infection, fever, etc., and gets details of recent travel, he would decide whether the person's samples have to be tested. If he feels the need, he would collect the throat and nasal samples and advise the person to stay indoors for a week. If the symptoms are serious, the person might be admitted into the hospital immediately, pending receipt of the test results.
If the tests are positive, the samples are tested for the presence of H1 and swine A virus. The person would be immediately asked to report at the hospital and is treated with Tamiflu tablets, at the rate of one tablet twice a day for five days. Those, with whom the person had contacts, would also be asked to present themselves to check their symptoms. In case of mild infections, the hospital may give the person an option of either getting admitted into the hospital or getting treatment at house, in isolation. Both the affected person and his attendant would be required to wear a three-layer mask at all times. The family members would also be given a prophylaxis course of Tamiflu. At the end of seven days, if the symptoms do not persist, the patient is discharged.
It is pertinent to note that the infected people can transmit the disease to others up to about a week prior to the day on which the symptoms appear in them. Small children, people suffering from heart disease, pregnant women and those with respiratory problems are the high risk groups who should be cautious not to come in contact with swine flu patients.