Prakash Yedhula (Lawyer) 11 August 2009

Swine Flu HINI Pandemic Facts, Prevention and Cure

The spread of swine flu is fast emerging as No 1 health care urgency not just in the country but the world over as it slowly turns pandemic. It has also been said these few cases are only tip of iceberg and in coming days India could see rise in flu to 33% of Indians if precautionary measure are not taken and govt. doesn't show more responsibility. Despite the issue being in the media for a long time, there continue to be lack of knowledge and mis-information about the disease and how to handle it. Indian Medical Association, Nagpur Centre, has come up with a selective information on the subject.

What is H1N1 (swine) flu?

The first identification of an influenza virus as a cause of disease in pigs occurred in 1930. H1N1 (referred to as "swine flu" early on) was related to this virus causing sickness in people. This virus was discovered in people in the US in April 2009 (the first ever incident in Humans). Other countries, including Mexico and Canada, have also reported people sick with this new virus. This virus is spreading from person-to-person, likely in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread.

In late March and early April 2009, cases of human infection with swine influenza A (H1N1) viruses were first reported in Southern California and near San Antonio, Texas.

In the first place it was assiduous to predict the outcome of this virus on general public. In seasonal flu, there are certain people who are at higher risk of serious flu-related disease. This includes people with 65 years of more age, children below five years, pregnant women, and people of any age with chronic medical conditions in general people with weak immune system due to some or other reason.

This virus is contagious but, at this time, it not known how easily the virus spreads between people. The symptoms of 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 sickness (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, concerning signs that need compelling medical attention include:

* Fast breathing or difficulty in breathing

* Bluish or gray skin colour

* Not consuming enough fluids

* Severe or non-ceasing vomiting

* Not waking up or not acting

* Being so annoyed that the child does not want to be held

* Flu-like indications ameliorate but then comeback with fever and worse coughing

In adults, concerning signs that need immediate medical attention include:

* Difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath

* Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen

* Sudden dizziness

* Confusion

* Severe or non-ceasing vomiting

* Flu-like indications ameliorate but then comeback with fever and worse coughing

How do you catch H1N1 (swine) flu?

Spread of H1N1 (swine) flu can occur in two ways:

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 can infect others right from day one even before they themselves develop any symptoms up to seven or more days after becoming sick. That means that one can pass on the infection to someone else before he/she even knows that he/she is sick, as well as while one is 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 forbid the spread of germs that cause respiratory sickness like influenza. Take these daily steps to protect yourself:

* Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Dispose of the tissue in the dustbin after use.

* Clean your hands frequently with cleansing agent ( preferably Dettol) and water, particularly after you cough or sneeze.

* Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread across this way.

* Attempt to avoid close contact with infected 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 flow of air in the living rooms by opening the windows for proper airing.

* Practice good health habits including sufficient sleep, having nutritive food, and being physically active.

How long can influenza virus remain viable on objects (such as books and doorknobs)?

Aalyses have demonstrated that influenza virus can support oneself on environmental surfaces and can infect a person for up to 2-8 hours after being banked on the material layer.

Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is fouled with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Drops from a cough or sneeze of an infected person pass through the air.

Are there medicines to treat H1N1 (swine) flu?

Yes, use of oseltamivir (brand name Tamiflu?) or zanamivir (brand name Relenza ?) for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with these H1N1 (swine) influenza viruses. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) that battle against the flu by holding flu viruses from multiplying in your body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can alleviate your condition quiet soon. They may also forbid serious flu complications. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if commenced soon after getting sick (within 2 days of indications).

Follow the advice of your local public health department regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other measures to reduce flu transmission. These measures will continue to be important after a novel H1N1 vaccine is available because they can prevent the spread of other viruses that cause respiratory infections.

What should I do if I get sick?

If you live in areas where people have been discovered with new H1N1 flu and become ill with influenza-like evidences, including fever, body aches, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhoea, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people, omitting to seek medical care from a recognized and reputed hospital

Antiviral drugs may reduce the symptoms and duration of sickness, just as they do for seasonal influenza. They also may contribute to preventing severe disease and death. WHO is in touch with public health authorities and clinicians in affected countries and is gathering information about how effective the drugs are.

How do I know if I have influenza A (H1N1)?

You will not be able to differentiate among seasonal flu and influenza A (H1N1) in absence of medical help. Typical symptoms to watch for are similar to seasonal viruses and include fever, cough, headache, body aches, sore throat and runny nose. Only your medical practitioner and local health agency canaffirm a case of influenza A (H1N1). They will check blood sample, throat swab and nasopharyngeal (nose to mouth) for testing to laboratories Currently this service is available only at certain assigned government research laboratory.

Source: https://www.dreamydonkey.com/2009/08/swine-flu-swine-flu-swine-flu-h1n1.html

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Guest (Guest) 11 August 2009

Swine flu scare spreading fast in India

Swine flu deaths spread beyond western India, claiming the life of a four-year-old boy in Chennai, even as death of a Pune

pharmacist on Monday evening took the toll to seven, and the Centre shifted gears to battle the virus.

The government has decided to procure additional two crore tablets of anti-viral drug oseltamivir, the generic version of Roche’s anti-flu drug Tamiflu, used worldwide for treating swine flu.

While retailing of oseltamivir—sold under the brands Tamiflu and Fluvir—within a fortnight is actively being considered, the government is also exploring the possibility of roping in private hospitals and laboratories for testing and treating swine flu-infected patients. This, while the government is planning to double the number of medical kits to test the virus, by importing an additional 22,000 kits.

“The number of swine flu cases are rising. We have to work a little harder,” health minister Ghulam Nabi Azad told reporters in New Delhi, as people flocked to hospitals for swine flu tests.

The government will identify around 35 bureaucrats of the rank of additional secretary and joint secretary from several ministries who will be posted soon to various states to work with state governments to identify private hospitals and private testing laboratories with required facilities. The identified facilities will be designated to treat patients of swine flu.

Guest (Guest) 11 August 2009

Tamiflu can have bad side-effects on children

Consumers in India will soon be able to buy anti-flu drug oseltamivir (marketed as Tamiflu by Swiss company Roche) from retail stores, with the government planning to lift the ban on retail sales. However, researchers at Oxford University have questioned the safety of the drug for children. They found in a study that it caused vomiting, dehydration and other complications in about 5% of cases among children aged between one and 12 years.

While the drug provided a small benefit by shortening the duration of illness in children with seasonal influenza and reducing household transmission, it was found to have little effect on asthma flare-ups, says the study published in British Medical Journal.

Researchers have clearly said that the harmful effects of Tamiflu and Relenza â€” another commonly used anti-viral drug â€” far outweigh their benefits and the results found for seasonal flu would apply for H1N1 too. The way out, they say, is to limit Tamiflu use, especially in children, to serious cases.

Indian doctors say this is the latest in a long series of questions raised about the H1N1 â€˜â€˜wonder drugâ€™â€™. Earlier, another study had reported that Tamiflu caused nausea and nightmares in children.

Said AIIMS professor of medicine Dr Randeep Guleria: â€˜â€˜There have been other reports. In Japan, it was found to cause neuro-psychiatric manifestations like suicidal tendencies in patients. The drugâ€™s literature, I believe, mentions this. Thatâ€™s why we have been constantly warning against indiscriminate use

Guest (Guest) 11 August 2009

Swine flu: Stay cool, follow these 7 steps

We are sure you won't catch swine flu. But in case you have symptoms that are worrying you, here are seven emergency steps that you need to know.

1. If you have symptoms like fever, cough, sore throat, cold and running nose, consult your family doc. If he says so, visit the nearest designated government testing centre or hospital for a check up. Your risk is higher if you have developed the symptoms after returning from an infected country or have met a person who has tested positive for H1N1.

2. If it looks like you're one of the unlucky ones, wear a mask while moving out of the house. In case infected, you could spread H1N1 through coughing or sneezing. Private hospitals or labs are still not authorised to test patients for H1N1.

3. After clinical assessment, the designated medical officer would decide whether the symptoms would require sample collection and testing. The doctor will check you for symptoms of pneumonia, infection of the chest, fever and ask your travel history.

4. If it's found that you need testing, throat and nasal samples will be collected and you will be asked to go home and stay indoors for seven days. In case the patient looks serious, he will be admitted in the hospital right away, while his samples are tested.

5. Sample testing will take 24-48 hours. If found positive, the sample is then tested for H1 and swine A virus. Meanwhile, you will be called back and immediately started on treatment of Tamilfu - one tablet twice a day for 5 days. All your contacts will also be traced and checked for symptoms. (Infected people are liable to infect others from the day before symptoms develop and up to 7 or 8 days after becoming sick. In short, you're liable to pass on the flu to someone before you know you are sick. That's why H1N1 is so very infectious.)

6. If you have a mild infection, you would be given the option of admission into the hospital or isolation and treatment at your own house. If you chose the latter, you and your attendant will have to wear a three layer mask at all times, and confine yourself to a room. Obviously, you can't go out or meet guests. Your family members will also be given a prophylaxis course of Tamilfu. Avoid meeting high risk groups in your family like small children, people with heart disease or pregnant women. In case you feel respiratory distress or your nails turn blue, immediately report back to the government hospital.

After seven days, in hospital or at home, you will de declared fit and discharged if you show no more symptoms.

Guest (Guest) 11 August 2009

Everything you wanted to know about swine flu

The spread of swine flu is fast emerging as No 1 healthcare emergency not just in the country but the world over. Despite the issue being in the media for a long time, there continue to be ignorance and mis-information about the disease and how to handle it. Indian Medical Association, Nagpur Centre, has come up with a information dossier on the subject. We reproduce it here for the benefit of our readers.

What is H1N1 (swine) flu?

H1N1 (referred to as "swine flu" early on) is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This new virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. Other countries, including Mexico and Canada, have also reported people sick with this new virus. This virus is spreading from person-to-person, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread.

In late March and early April 2009, cases of human infection with swine influenza A (H1N1) viruses were first reported in Southern California and near San Antonio, Texas.

In the beginning it was difficult to predict the effect of this virus on general population. In seasonal flu, there are certain people who are at higher risk of serious flu-related complications. This includes people with 65 years of more age, children below five years, pregnant women, and people of any age with chronic medical conditions.

This virus is contagious but, at this time, it not known how easily the virus spreads between people. The symptoms of 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

How do you catch H1N1 (swine) flu?

Spread of H1N1 (swine) flu can occur in two ways:

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 can infect others right from day one even before they themselves develop any symptoms up to seven or more days after becoming sick. That means that one can pass on the infection to someone else before he/she even knows that he/she is sick, as well as while one is 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.

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 the surface.

Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air. Germs can be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk, for example, and then touches his own eyes, mouth or nose before washing hands.

Are there medicines to treat H1N1 (swine) flu?

Yes, use of oseltamivir (brand name Tamiflu?) or zanamivir (brand name Relenza ?) for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with these H1N1 (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).

Follow the advice of your local public health department regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other measures to reduce flu transmission. These measures will continue to be important after a novel H1N1 vaccine is available because they can prevent the spread of other viruses that cause respiratory infections.

What should I do if I get sick?

If you live in areas where people have been identified with new H1N1 flu and become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhoea, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people, except to seek medical care. If you have severe illness or you are at high risk for flu complications, contact your health care provider or seek medical care. Your health care provider will determine whether flu testing or treatment is needed.

Antiviral drugs may reduce the symptoms and duration of illness, just as they do for seasonal influenza. They also may contribute to preventing severe disease and death. WHO is in touch with public health authorities and clinicians in affected countries and is gathering information about how effective the drugs are.

What about using a mask? What does WHO recommend?

If you are not sick you do not have to wear a mask. If you are caring for a sick person, you can wear a mask when you are in close contact with the ill person and dispose of it immediately after contact, and clean your hands thoroughly afterwards.

If you are sick and have to travel or be around others, cover your mouth and nose.

Using a mask correctly in all situations is essential. Incorrect use actually increases the chance of spreading infection.

How do I know if I have influenza A (H1N1)?

You will not be able to tell the difference between seasonal flu and influenza A (H1N1) without medical help. Typical symptoms to watch for are similar to seasonal viruses and include fever, cough, headache, body aches, sore throat and runny nose. Only your medical practitioner and local health authority can confirm a case of influenza A (H1N1). If they suspect any symptoms they will send your blood sample, throat swab and nasopharyngeal (nose to mouth) for testing to laboratories. Presently this facility is available only at certain specified government laboratories.

Guest (Guest) 11 August 2009

Scanty rains keep swine flu away from Uttar Pradesh

The H1N1 virus is not circulating in Uttar Pradesh. Period. So there is no need to panic. Affirming this, microbiologist with Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Prof TN Dhole urged people of the state not to panic. "Only if a virus is moving around in the air over a place, one needs to be scared," he said.

Prof Dhole came to the conclusion that the virus was not circulating in the air above Uttar Pradesh and Lucknow in particular after summing up the findings of the samples tested. "I have tested around 40-45 swab samples collected from suspected cases till now. Except for one, all have tested negative to swine flu," he said. He added that the case which tested positive to H1N1 came from London.

Prof Dhole also maintained that the H1N1 virus will not be able to survive in Uttar Pradesh. Dry weather caused by poor monsoons is responsible for this. "Meagre rains have rather proved to be a blessing in disguise for the state," he said.

Actually, any kind of virus needs moisture or humid weather conditions to multiply and increase its number. Under humid weather conditions, when a person sneezes, tiny droplets are spilled in the atmosphere. These droplets remain suspended in the air and another person breathing around may catch the infection. In a dry weather, the droplets evaporate soon leaving little chance for transmission. Since the weather is reasonably dry due to scanty rainfall, there aren't favourable conditions for H1N1 influenza virus to grow.

Then there is difference in normal seasonal influenza and the swine flu. Symptoms like severe body ache, lethargy, desire to sleep, nausea and vomiting, breathing difficultly make swine flu different from the seasonal flu. Both the flus, however, start with symptoms like redness of eyes and running nose. "Unfortunately, people confuse the two conditions to be the same and just trouble themselves," said Dr DP Mishra, consultant physician, Balrampur Hospital, the nodal centre for managing swine flu cases.

Senior microbiologist at Chhatrapati Shahuji Maharaj Medical University, Dr Tulika Chandra said that swine flu belongs to the non-lethal category of infections and is not life-threatening in most cases. It may be dangerous to those suffering with chronic disease of the lungs or heart. Delay in treatment may also let the opportunity to control the disease slip out of hands.

And even if a person was infected, the state government has made elaborate arrangements to tackle swine flu. Chief secretary of the state AK Gupta called a press conference on Sunday and urged people not to panic. He said that an isolation ward has been set up in all government hospitals, state medical colleges and CSMMU to treat the affected. So people can go to the nearest government hospital in case they suspect themselves to be suffering with flu like symptoms.

A team from the National Institute of Communicable Diseases, which came to Lucknow on Monday to review the arrangements made by state government to tackle swine flu has also expressed satisfaction over the preparations.

Guest (Guest) 11 August 2009

13-year-old girl dies of swine flu in Pune, toll reaches 8

Swine flu claimed yet another life of a 13-year-old girl here on Tuesday, raising the total number of victims across the country to eight.

Shruti Gawade, a student of Ahilyadevi school, became the sixth victim of the H1N1 virus in the state. Five of them died in Pune itself.

Shruti, a resident of Narayan Peth area, had been kept on ventilator since August 7 when she was brought here after being referred from a private hospital in critical condition, said Dr Pandurang Pawar, Medical Superintendent of Sasoon hospital.

In Chennai, two persons including a four-year-old boy fell prey to the deadly virus on Monday.

Guest (Guest) 11 August 2009

Thousands throng Mumbai hospitals to check for flu

With the state government looking increasingly confused about how to contain the spread of swine flu, Mumbaikars decided to prepare for

the worst.

Thousands queued up at state-run hospitals in Mumbai to get the tests done for the possible infection. Kasturba Hospital in central Mumbai, Siddharth Hospital at Goregaon and Rajawadi Hospital at Ghatkopar were flooded with people wishing to get the tests done.

As part of the precautionary measure, people have also started wearing masks in crowded trains and buses. “We had enough kits to meet the demand. But considering the anxiety among people, we will need many more,” a spokesperson for the state health ministry said. The government has placed orders for many more test kits as it expects more rush in the coming days.

Till Monday, seven schoolchildren tested positive for swine flu in Mumbai, an official statement said. One school has been asked to shut down. The total number of patients hospitalised for a possible swine flu infection has shot up to 61 in Mumbai alone. All confirmed cases are school children. Dhirubhai Ambani School at Bandra-Kurla complex was asked to temporarily suspend classes after Zanai Bhosale, 7, was found positive with Influenza A (H1N1) virus, said the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai disaster management committee.

Three students of Rims International School at Andheri too have tested positive and are under treatment along with another student of JB Vachha School at Andheri, the statement said. Dhruva Bheda, 14, a student of Sinhgad Institute at Lonavala, too was detected with the virus. He was in Mumbai on vacation.

Many education institutions in the neighbouring Thane districts have announced a week’s closure after a student from AK Joshi English School tested positive for swine flu.

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Guest (Guest) 11 August 2009

Swine Flu: IT companies issue advisory

Taking precautionary steps against swine flu, Infosys Technologies has restricted both inbound and outbound travel from its

development centre in Pune. On the other hand, Wipro is continuing with its general travel advisories.

Infosys said: “We have restricted all inbound and outbound travel at our development centre in Pune. We are continuing efforts to educate our employees, monitoring health bulletins and taking necessary precautions.” Infosys has 20,000 employees at its Pune development centre.

Both these IT majors have development centres across the country, with Pune being among the larger centres. According Wipro CIO Laxman Badiga: “We continue to provide required travel advisories .... We are communicating with our employees to exercise extreme caution and to avoid unnecessary travel. Our employees at the affected countries are reported to be safe and our business operations continue to function as normal.” Wipro has close to 9,000 people at the Pune centre.

Pune has seen the maximum attention from outbreak of HIN1 virus, especially with the first death being reported from the city.

At the first outbreak of the H1N1 in Mexico, IT majors like Infosys, Wipro and TCS had temporarily closed down their centres in Mexico for a week as a precautionary measure.

Guest (Guest) 11 August 2009

Govt to import 2 cr more pills to treat H1N1

With about 70% of its stock used up, the government will now procure two crore more pills of oseltamivir—the generic version of Swiss

firm Roche’s Tamiflu that is used to treat the H1N1 virus—and may allow the drug to be sold in the open market within a fortnight.

The contingency measures that the health ministry is putting in place in light of the seven deaths caused by the virus in one week include roping in private hospitals and laboratories for testing and treating patients.

The government is also planning to fast-track the launch of a vaccine to squeeze the clinical trial period to around two months.

Three domestic companies, Bharat Biotech, Panacea Biotech and Serum Institute, which were earlier allowed to import strains of H1N1 to work on a new vaccine, will now be able to do a Phase 1 trial in 14 days instead of a month.

“We are planning to club phase II and III so that the vaccine can be launched at the earliest,” a top government official close to the development told ET. The government has also asked Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) to conduct the trials with the companies, so that the trials can be conducted on a larger population. The Indian companies are likely to discover the vaccine by December 2010, after which the clinical trials will follow.

The government is planning to double the number of medical kits to test the virus by importing an additional 22,000 kits.

India’s pharma industry welcomed the move to make Tamiflu available in the open market stressing their capability to make enough pills to meet any eventuality. Cipla, Ranbaxy, Hetero and Natco are expected to be in the fray to bag the government’s contract, besides the marketers of the original Tamiflu, Roche.

Globally, such drugs are made available at government hospitals and dispensaries but, according to Alok Mukhopadhyay of Voluntary Health Association of India, this model cannot be replicated in India because its private sector makes up for 70% of the country’s health needs.

As of now, the government has restricted the drug only to government hospitals and dispensaries, fearing that availability at retail market could lead to hoarding. More importantly, there is a fear that consumers may buy and consume the drug in panic which may make the medicine ineffective. “Resistance can be developed even for medicines meant for diseases such as TB and Malaria, why are those drug not under government control?,” said Cipla joint MD Amar Lulla.

The government has also decided to identify around 35 bureaucrats of the rank of additional secretary and joint secretary from several ministries who will be posted to various states to work with state government to identify private hospitals and private testing laboratories with required facilities.“We have finalised the guidelines for allowing private labs to conduct tests,” Health minister Ghulam Nabi Azad said. The government is also considering to install more thermal imagers at international airports.

Several key issues related to government’s strategy to manage public health and check the spread of this virus in the country, were discussed in the high level meeting that went on for almost three hours in the health ministry in New Delhi. A separate website dedicated to swine flu will be launched by the government by Wednesday.

Guest (Guest) 11 August 2009

Swine flu scare hits World Badminton tournament in Hyderabad

After the reported terror threat, influenza A (H1N1) cast its shadow over the World Badminton Championship here on Tuesday with the coach of the Malaysian team displaying symptoms of the viral disease that has killed eight people in India. ( Watch )

Misbun Sidek has been quarantined at the Andhra Pradesh Chest Hospital, the nodal centre to deal with swine flu cases here, and his samples have been sent for testing for influenza A (H1N1) virus, organisers of the event said.

"Sidek complained of throat pain last evening. His samples have been sent for testing. We don't want to take any chance. We are taking all precautions," Pullela Gopichand, director of the organising committee and Indian team coach, said.

Since the city has no testing facility, the samples would be sent to National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD), Delhi. The reports are likely to be available on Wednesday.

A player from Singapore was also admitted to a corporate hospital on Monday evening due to ill-health. Doctors said he had no visible symptoms of swine flu.

The Malaysian coach was found with swine flu symptoms at a time when the virus has created a scare in parts of India, claiming eight lives.

Andhra Pradesh has so far recorded 76 swine flu cases. However, no one has died of the virus in the state. India's first confirmed swine flu case was detected here on May 16.

Some policemen at the venue of the badminton championship were seen wearing masks Monday night.

More than 250 players from 42 countries are competing in the six-day event that began Monday. The championship is the first of the series of world-class sporting events that India would be hosting ahead of the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi.

In view of the increasing number of swine flu cases in the country, the union ministry of health and family welfare had last week advised that festivals, sports, religious and political events should be discouraged and cancelled if possible.

The suspected swine flu case has come as another setback to the event after the England team pulled out citing security concerns. The English team returned home Sunday but local police claimed that there was no real threat from terrorists.

Guest (Guest) 11 August 2009

Update on Influenza a (H1N1) as on 10th August 2009

Guest (Guest) 11 August 2009

Shri Azad announces new decisions for tackling H1N1

The Hon’ble Minister for Health and Family Welfare today (10.8.2009) reviewed the situation of the Influenza A H1N1 outbreak in the country. The Cabinet Secretary also attended the review meeting. Other senior officers present in the meeting are –

(i) Dr. V.M. Katoch, Secretary (Health Research) & DG, ICMR.

(ii) Smt. S. Jalaja, Secretary (Health and Family Welfare)

(iii) Dr. Shiv Lal, Spl. DGHS and Director, NICD

(iv) Dr. Surinder Singh, DCGI.

(v) Dr. Srinath Reddy, President, Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI)

(vi) Shri V. Venkatachalam, Additional Secretary, M/o Health & FW.

(vii) Shri Vineet Chawdhry, M/o Health and Family Welfare

(viii) Shri Arun Jha, Joint Secretary, Department of Pharmaceuticals.

It was noted that out of 864 number of cases that had tested positive so far, 523 had been treated and discharged. The other 341 patients are under treatment. There had, however, been 6 deaths ( 3 in Pune, 1 in Mumbai, 1 in Ahmedabad and 1 in Chennai)

The following decisions were taken:-

(i) 45,26,671 number of passengers have been so far screened at international airports, sea ports and other points of entry. On a daily basis, as many as 45,000 passengers are screened. Of the 4084 that have been tested, 633 has been detected through screening. It has, therefore, been decided that the screening of international passengers would continue at the international airports, sea ports and other points of entry.

(ii) 4 Thermal Scanners had been installed at the Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi on a pilot basis. Their performance has been observed and it has been noted that detection of cases through screening had improved from 5% to more than 20%. It has, therefore, been decided that thermal scanners for other international airports in the country would be procured and installed on emergency basis.

(iii) The National stockpile of Oseltamivir will be up scaled by another 2 crore capsules. The existing stockpile would be decentralized even further.

(iv) Teams of Senior Officers from the Government of India will visit each State and UT headquarters to assess the preparedness in the States in terms of isolation capacity and clinical assessment in different hospitals both in the Government sector and the private sector.

(v) Guidelines for approving private diagnostic laboratories for testing Influenza A H1N1 have been finalized. These have already been communicated to States. Private diagnostic laboratories that fulfill these guidelines would be allowed to test for Influenza A (H1N1). This will ensure availability of additional diagnostic capacity in the country to test for Influenza A (H1N1). Simultaneously wherever possible, the testing capacity of existing 19 designated laboratories would be doubled.

(vi) To ensure availability of adequate testing reagents, it was decided that another 22,000 kits would be procured immediately in addition to the 27,000 kits recently procured. Simultaneously, the ICMR would examine the possibility of developing low cost testing kit, which could then be deployed throughout the country.

(vii) 3 indigenous companies are already working for development of vaccines for Influenza A H1N1. One company has already commenced animal trial of these vaccines. To ensure fast track production of the vaccines, it was decided that the Indian Council for Medical Research would harmonize animal trails of the vaccines being developed by these companies.

(viii) The issue of closure of schools was discussed. It was decided that this decision had to be based on the situation prevailing in the affected areas and therefore, it would be for the State Governments to take a decision about closure of schools. However, mere closure of schools would not solve the problem, unless the children restrict themselves to their homes. If they continue to move around and socialize, closure of schools would not serve any purpose. Therefore, it was more important that parents ensure that children who show signs of influenza like illness stay at home and do not socialize. This hold equally good for adults also.

Guest (Guest) 11 August 2009

Update on influenza A(H1N1) as on 9th August 2009
	20:27 IST

As on 31st July 2009 World Health Organization has reported 162380 laboratory confirmed cases of influenza A/H1N1 and 1154 deaths. No further update is available.

Health screening of passengers coming from affected countries is continuing in 22 International airports. 44,296 passengers have been screened on 8.8.2009 of which 37,181 passengers were from affected countries. 224 doctors and 151 paramedics are manning 81 counters at these airports. A cumulative total of 45, 26,671 passengers have been screened.

Eighty two laboratory confirmed cases have been reported today. Delhi (13), Pune (34), Mumbai (12), Chennai (7), Goa (4), Vadodara (3), Calicut (2), Hyderabad (2), Gurgaon (2), Trivandrum (1), Sirsa, Haryana (1) and Trissur (1)

In Delhi out of the 13 cases, twelve are contact cases. One case [31/M] travelled from Singapore reaching Delhi on 7th August and was detected to be symptomatic at the airport and was admitted to the identified health facility.

All the 34 cases in Pune are indigenous cases mostly school and social contacts with no travel history.

In Mumbai out of 12 cases, eleven cases are indigenous cases mostly contacts. The twelfth case is 8 year old male who travelled from Europe reaching Mumbai on 7th August and as he was found to be symptomatic in the airport he was quarantined.

Chennai has reported 7 cases. All of them are indigenous cases with no abroad travel history.

In Goa, out of the four cases, one [17/M] is a contact of a previously reported positive case. The second [33/M] and third [36/F] case traveled from Bangkok reaching Goa on 31st July 2009. As both of them were found to be symptomatic at the airport they were quarantined. The fourth case [50/M] travelled from Sharjah and reported with symptoms on 6th August.

In Vadodara, out of the three cases, one brother and sister [9/M and 11/F] travelled from Virginia, USA via Amsterdam. They self reported with symptoms on 6th August 2009 and were admitted in the identified health facility. The third case [7/F] is an indigenous case with no travel history.

In Calicut, out of the two cases, one of them [20/M] travelled from U.K. He self reported with symptoms on 7th August 2009. The other case [54/M] has a travel history from Dubai. He also self reported with symptoms on 6th August 2009.

In Hyderabad, one [22/M] of the two cases is a contact case of previously reported positive case. The other case [40/M] travelled from California via Singapore reaching Hyderabad was found to be symptomatic at the airport and was admitted in the identified health facility.

The two cases in Gurgaon are contacts of previously reported positive cases.

The lone case [33/M] reported from Trivandrum is an indigenous case.

In Sirsa, Haryana, one case [32/M] reported with symptoms on 6th August 2009 and was admitted in the identified health facility. He has no foreign travel history.

The case in Trissur [9/M] travelled from Los Angeles, USA reaching Trissur on 7th August and was found symptomatic at the airport where he was quarantined at the isolation facility

4084 persons have been tested so far out of which 864 are positive for Influenza A H1N1 [Swine]. 633 out of the 4084 persons have been identified through entry screening, 803 through contact tracing and the rest were self reported.

Of the 864 positive cases, 523 have been discharged. Two more deaths have occurred during the period reported upon making the total death toll to four [Pune (2), Mumbai (1), Ahmedabad (1)].

The case which expired in Pune is a 42 year old male who had symptoms from 1st August and took treatment at local level. He was admitted to Sassoon Hospital on 7th August with symptoms of bodyache, sore-throat and breathlessness. He was put on Oseltamivir on 7th August itself and was also put on ventilator in CCU on 8th August. His condition deteriorated and he expired on early hours of 9th August.

There are 6 cases who are still admitted in Sassoon Hospital, Pune out of which the condition of three cases are in critical condition.

The case which expired in Ahmedabad is 42 year old male who travelled from Atlanta reaching Mumbai on 31st July 2009 and further travelled to Ahmedabad. He was admitted in Sanjeevani Hospital on 6th August with symptoms fever, weakness and breathlessness. He was found to be anaemic and respiratory distress. His X-ray chest also showed pneumonitis. On 7th August he was transferred to Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad. He expired in the early hours of 9th August 2009.

Rest of them remain admitted to the identified health facility.

A central team is stationed at Pune to assess the situation and institute appropriate public health measures.

Guest (Guest) 11 August 2009

Avoid travel to Gujarat: Gujarati group to NRIs

The rapid spread of swine flu has prompted the Vishwa Gujarati Samaj (VGS) to issue an advisory to Non-Resident Indians, especially Gujaratis, to avoid travelling to the state this winter, if they are suffering from the disease.

The advisory has been planned by the VGS, an umbrella organisation of Gujarati diaspora, following the fear that influx of large Gujarati diaspora to the state every winter can spread the disease very fast.

"Lot of Gujaratis living abroad come during Navratri and Diwali which is followed by marriage season. Between mid September to February, maximum number of Gujaratis visit the state," VGS President Krishnakant Vakharia said.

"They have been advised not to visit Gujarat if they are suffering from swine flu," Vakharia said.

"We have issued the advisory to all our members in the US, UK, Canada and African countries by email and newspaper advertisements on the precautions to be taken while visiting Gujarat on the backdrop of world-wide swine flu epidemic," he said.

"If NRIs come to the state, they are asked to get a thorough check up on arrival," he added.

The advisory follows the death of NRI Pravin Patel, the first victim of the disease in the state who had come from Atlanta in the US to for vacation.

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