Hand wash most effective way to avoid H1N1

Washing your hands is one of the simplest and most effective ways to avoid infections such as H1N1 and seasonal influenza, says a Geisinger physician.

"Washing your hands is one of the simplest and most effective ways to avoid infections such as H1N1 and seasonal influenza," said Lisa Esolen, M.D., Medical Director of Infection Control, Geisinger Health System.

"Because this year's H1N1 virus has been so contagious and has rapidly spread widely, it is especially important to remember to wash your hands," she added.

"We don't realize how often we touch our eyes, nose or mouth after having touched food, other people, or inanimate objects, all of which carry germs, that can lead to illness" Dr. Esolen said. "Handwashing is the single most effective way to minimize your risk for getting and infection or spreading one to others."

To properly wash your hands, run them under running water and then apply soap. Rub vigorously for at least 20 seconds (say your ABC's or sing "Happy Birthday" twice) develop a thick lather, and then rinse and dry.

"You should always wash your hands before eating, after sneezing, coughing, and after touching anything dirty," Dr. Esolen said. (ANI)

Article Source : http://in.news.yahoo.com/139/20091206/1536/tls-hand-wash-most-effective-way-to-avoi.html

What is Swine flu ?

Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by Type A influenza viruses (H1N1) that causes regular outbreaks in pigs.

What are the symptoms ?
The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, and sore throat, running nose, breathlessness, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue, diarrhea and vomiting

How does it spread and how can one protect oneself ?
These viruses spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing

Infected people may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 7 or more days after becoming sick.

Frequent hand washing, covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, avoiding touching eyes, nose mouth avoid spitting ,using mask if required are important preventive measures

If you live in areas where swine influenza cases have been identified and become ill with influenza-like symptoms contact your family doctor .He will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed.

What is the treatment ?

Anti viral drug such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu®) or Zanamivir (Relenza®) is used for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with these swine influenza viruses.

However, please do not use them without doctor’s advise.

Who do I get in touch with for further specific advice ?
If you suspect you or your family members may have been infected or you have any doubts, feel free to contact our doctors at FES, Kandivali Mumbai who will try to guide you or put you in touch with the right person. These doctors have very kindly agreed to make themselves available on phone to all our employees to provide such advice.

Dr. Ranade (09833799256) , Dr Bhat (09821420260)