H1 N1 PCR Test (Swine Flu) Tips

What is upper respiratory tract infection?

Upper respiratory tract infection (uri) is a contagious infection of the nose, throat, and airways.

Uris are caused by viruses the vast majority of the time; however, bacteria are also capable of becoming the offender in some situations.

Types of upper respiratory tract infection:



Sinusiti: sinusitis is a form of infection of the upper respiratory system that affects the sinuses. It is caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi and can result in inflammation of the sinuses and nasal passages, leading to a stuffy nose, headaches, and facial pain.


Rhinitis: an upper respiratory tract infection characterised by inflammation of the nasal passages. Symptoms include sneezing, nasal congestion, runny nose, itchy eyes, and sore throat.


Pharyngitis: an upper respiratory tract infection that affects the pharynx (the part of the throat located behind the nose). Symptoms include sore throat, difficulty swallowing, fever, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck.


Laryngitis: an upper respiratory tract infection that affects the larynx (the voice box). Symptoms include hoarseness or loss of voice, coughing, and sore throat.


Bronchitis: an upper respiratory tract infection that affects the bronchi (the airways between the trachea and lungs). Symptoms include coughing up thick mucus (phlegm), chest pain or discomfort when breathing or coughing, fatigue, and shortness of breath.



What are the signs and symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection?



Common cold: the most common symptom of an upper respiratory tract infection is a cold, which is characterised by a runny nose, sneezing, coughing and congestion.


Sore throat: a sore throat is a common symptom of an upper respiratory tract infection and can be accompanied by difficulty swallowing or hoarseness.


Cough: coughing is also a common symptom of an upper respiratory tract infection and can range from dry to wet (producing mucus).


Nasal congestion: nasal congestion (or stuffiness) due to swelling of the nasal passages can also occur with an upper respiratory tract infection.


Headache: a headache may accompany an upper respiratory tract infection, especially if the person has a sinus infection or sinusitis.


Fever: a fever may be present with an upper respiratory tract infection, depending on the cause and severity of the illness.



What are possible complications of upper respiratory tract infection?



Acute bronchitis: this is a common complication of an upper respiratory tract infection, as the infection can spread to the lower respiratory tract. Symptoms include wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.


Pneumonia: a bacterial or viral infection of the lungs that can develop as a secondary complication of an infection of the upper respiratory tract. Symptoms may include fever, chest pain, and difficulty breathing.


Sinusitis: sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinuses that can be a consequence of an upper respiratory tract infection. Sinusitis can be caused by either a bacterial or a viral infection. Symptoms may include headache, facial pressure and pain, nasal congestion and discharge, and fatigue.


Ear infection: an inflammation of the ear caused by a bacterial or viral infection that can be a complication of an upper respiratory tract infection. Symptoms may include earache, fever, and fluid drainage from the ear.


Asthma exacerbation: an acute worsening of asthma symptoms caused by an upper respiratory tract infection that can lead to severe breathing difficulties if not treated promptly with appropriate medication.



Foods to eat and avoid in case of cough

Foods to eat:



Fruits and vegetables: fruits and vegetables are packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fibre that can help boost your immune system and reduce inflammation in your body.


Whole grains: whole grains like oats, brown rice, quinoa, and whole wheat bread are high in b vitamins and magnesium which can help reduce inflammation in the respiratory system.


Honey: honey has natural antimicrobial properties that can help ease a cough as well as soothe a sore throat.


Ginger: ginger is known to be an effective natural remedy for easing a cough as it helps break up mucus.


Turmeric: the component of turmeric known as curcumin is responsible for the anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting effects of the spice.



Foods to avoid:



Dairy products: dairy products like milk, cheese, ice cream, etc, can worsen congestion due to their mucus-producing nature.


Processed foods: processed foods such as chips, cookies, etc, can cause inflammation in the body which can worsen your symptoms.


Alcohol: alcohol is known to be dehydrating and should be avoided when you are suffering from a cough or cold.



Home remedies and tips to avoid upper respiratory tract infections



Gargling with warm water mixed with salt: curcumin, which is found in turmeric, is the component of turmeric that is responsible for the anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties of the spice.


Drinking tulsi tea: tulsi or holy basil contains anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial properties which help to fight against infections that cause upper respiratory tract infections.


Drinking ginger tea: because of the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant characteristics that ginger possesses, it is a good treatment for the symptoms that accompany infections of the upper respiratory tract.


Hot compress: applying a hot compress on the chest and throat helps to reduce chest congestion and improve breathing by loosening the mucus in the lungs.


Inhaling steam: inhaling steam helps in reducing chest congestion, relieving sinus pressure, and improving breathing by loosening mucus in the airways.


Drinking turmeric milk: turmeric contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which help to reduce fever, sore throat, and other symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections.


Eating garlic: garlic is known for its antimicrobial properties which helps to reduce inflammation in the upper respiratory tract caused by bacterial or viral infection.


Drinking honey and lemon juice: honey is known for its antiviral properties while lemon juice is rich in vitamin c which helps to boost immunity and fight against infection causing bacteria or viruses that cause upper respiratory tract infection.


Eating curry leaves: curry leaves are known for their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties which help to reduce symptoms associated with upper respiratory tract infections such as cough, colds, sore throat etc, thereby providing relief from it quickly.


Taking ayurvedic herbs such as amalaki (amla), guduchi (tinospora cordifolia), yastimadhu (glycyrrhiza glabra), bharangi (clerodendrum serratum) etc: these herbs have strong antiviral properties that can help fight against bacterial or viral infections causing upper respiratory tract infections effectively



What are the surgical treatments for upper respiratory tract infection?



Adenoidectomy: this is a surgical procedure to remove enlarged adenoids, which are located behind the nose and at the back of the throat. Adenoidectomy helps to reduce the symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection, such as difficulty breathing through the nose, snoring, and recurrent ear infections.


Tonsillectomy: this is a surgical procedure to remove enlarged tonsils, which are located at the back of the throat. Tonsillectomy helps reduce symptoms associated with upper respiratory tract infections, such as sore throat, difficulty swallowing and recurrent ear infections.


Septoplasty: this is a surgical procedure to repair a deviated septum, which is caused by misalignment of tissues in the nose that separate one nostril from another. Septoplasty helps to improve airflow through the nasal passages and reduce symptoms associated with upper respiratory tract infections, such as congestion and difficulty breathing through the nose.


Endoscopic sinus surgery: this is a minimally invasive surgery used to open blocked sinuses and improve airflow through them. Endoscopic sinus surgery can help relieve symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection by reducing nasal congestion and improving drainage of mucus from the sinuses.



Best doctors to consult for upper respiratory tract infection?



Primary care physician - your primary care physician is the best doctor to consult for an upper respiratory tract infection. They can diagnose the infection and provide treatment options, including prescriptions if needed.


Family doctor - a family doctor is also an excellent option for treating an upper respiratory tract infection. They can provide diagnosis and treatment, as well as guidance on how to manage the infection in the future.


Infectious disease specialist - an infectious disease specialist may be necessary if your infection has become complicated or is caused by a virus or bacteria that is difficult to diagnose or treat. They can provide specialised care and expertise in treating infections.


Pulmonologist - pulmonologists are a sub-specialty of physicians that focus on diagnosing, treating, and preventing illnesses and conditions that affect the lungs and other components of the respiratory system. If your upper respiratory tract infection is severe or persistent, a pulmonologist may be able to provide more advanced treatments such as medication, inhalers, oxygen therapy, or even surgery if necessary.



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Upper Respiratory Tract Infection (URTI) occurs when a person inhales infectious bacteria along with the air that passes through the lungs via the respiratory tract. One of the main causes of these respiratory infections is Air Pollution.

Many studies have also shown that air pollution increases the risk of URTI; as these infections occur due to the inhalation of harmful pollutants like SO2, NO2, O3, and PM particles mixed with air.

One of the recent reports shows that this season has a great chance for smog. Smog also plays a role in increasing the risk of Upper Respiratory Tract Infections.

Few of the Upper Respiratory Tract Infections caused by Air Pollution that may affect the population are mentioned below:

Rhinitis: Rhinitis occur when the nasal cavity of the body gets inflamed.
Sinusitis and Rhinosinusitis: Commonly called as Sinus infection; such infection inflames the sinuses.
Nasopharyngitis or Common Cold: This is one of the most common problems that cause inflammation of pharynx, nares, hypopharynx, tonsils, and uvula
Pharyngitis: This causes inflammation of uvula, tonsils, and epiglottis.
Epiglottitis and Laryngitis: Epiglottitis causes inflammation of epiglottis whereas Laryngitis infect larynx.
Laryngotracheitis: This inflames both larynx and trachea.
Is Homeopathy Helpful For Upper Respiratory Tract Infection?

Yes, out of many standard and alternative medicines, Homeopathy is one of the most adequate ways for the treatment of URTI. It is helpful in treating many symptoms of URTI. Apart from treatment, it also provides strength to the Immune System of the body so that these infections inhibit the bacteria to infect the body in the future.

Facts About Treating URTI With Homoeopathy:

Best for Common Cold: When it comes to Common Cold, Homeopathy is the best treatment. It provides relief from the blockage of nose, burning sensation, and itching.
Homeopathy Inhibits Infection: Homeopathy helps a person who is suffering from sneezing and coughing. There are many medicines which help kill bacteria in the body.
No Side Effects: The best thing about these medicines is that they help treat Upper Respiratory Tract Infections without any side effect.
How To Prevent Air Pollutants That Cause Upper Respiratory Tract Infection?

These are the preventive measures which one can take to prevent themselves from URTI:

Wear protection masks before going out from home.
Decrease the usage of vehicles.
Use Biogas.
Plant more indoor plants for more oxygen.
Keep a neat and clean environment.
Apply cream near the Nostrils.
Wash face frequently
Consume jaggery in an appropriate amount after coming from outside.
Take vitamin C supplements.
Inhale steam and gargle with salt water.
The deteriorating air quality may lead to many respiratory infections, which is why it is our responsibility that we take some serious measures about air pollution and prevent URTI.

No one likes to suffer from any infection, and especially not in the upper respiratory tract. This is because few things have the potential to ruin a person s productivity, and infection is one of those things.

The throat pain has its own unique way of irritating the person suffering from this infection along with a headache, which renders all intention to get stuff done useless. This takes a serious toll on a person s health and well-being.

Taking all this into account, a person would obviously want to get rid of the upper respiratory tract infection. In fact, there are a variety of ways in which doctors treat infections of the upper respiratory tract. After all, it all depends on the specific field of medicine that the doctor practices. As a matter of fact, homeopathy is said to be the best way to treat such an infection.

Belladonna is one of the most effective medicines from the field of homeopathy when it comes to treating upper respiratory tract infections. In fact, what often happens is that the medicine which is taken to nips the problem in the bud before it has been given the time and chance to progress.

While it is true that a name such as arsenicum album may be a little disconcerting on account of having the word Arsenic in its name, it does plays a big role in reducing the impact of upper respiratory tract infections. This medicine has its greatest effect on those who feel really cold due to the infection and feel that their noses are blocked. An added symptom is feeling a burning sensation. It may be true that most people who have upper respiratory tract infections experience two if not all three of these symptoms.

Infections such as these do involve a lot of sneezing in some cases. And this sneezing can be really annoying, not only for the person who experiences persistent sneezing multiple times a day but also for the people around him or her! In a situation like this one, the best medicine is none other than Merc sol! People with fevers and a recurrent thirst are the ones who need this medicine.

Sometimes, during weather changes or epidemics, the symptoms may be similar or may even overlap in patients. It is best to visit a homeopathic practitioner to get the right treatment at the right time.

Swine flu is a respiratory infection caused by a virus which usually infects pigs. The virus is highly contagious and can survive in the environment for days. It is not unusual for people to get the infection. Swine flu is transmitted from person to person by inhalation or ingestion of droplets containing virus from people sneezing or coughing; it is not transmitted by eating cooked pork products. The symptoms of swine flu are similar to those of common flu-like fever, sore throat, cough, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue.

Recent years have witnessed the severity of acute respiratory infections. The main cause is exposure to more of respiratory Infection causing microorganisms. Everyone is at a high risk of exposure. The infections can affect all age groups equally. Therefore, you must know all about acute respiratory infections.

Acute respiratory infections may interfere in normal breathing. The infection often starts as a viral infection in the nose, trachea (windpipe) or in the lungs. In cases of non treatment, the infection spreads to the entire respiratory system. The infections are transmissible.

Causes:
There are many respiratory infections of which causes are unknown. However, a few known viral causes are as follows:

Adenoviruses: These viruses are known to have over 50 different types of viruses causing common cold, bronchitis as well as pneumonia.
Rhinoviruses: These viruses cause common cold. Those individuals, be it young or old, who have a weak immune system can have an acute respiratory infection.
Influenza virus: This is also known as Orthomyxovirus with six types of viruses, such as Type A, B and C, Isa Virus, Thogoto Virus and Coronavirus. Out of these, Type A is known to cause a severe disease.
Enterovirus: This virus is associated with several human and mammalian diseases, including acute respiratory infection.
Respiratory syncytial virus: This virus causes respiratory tract infections in the lower respiratory tract.
Bacterial causes are as follows:



Bacillus anthracis
Bordetella pertussis
Corynebacterium diphtheria
Pneumococcus: It is a cause of meningitis and Pneumonia.
Streptococcus pyogenes
Haemophilus influenzae
Symptoms:
Few of the prominent symptoms are as follows:

Itchy, watery eyes - Soreness behind eyes and often conjunctivitis
Nasal discharge and congestion
Sneezing
Having Sore throat
Coughing
Severe Headache
Fever
Malaise
Fatigue
Muscle pain
Diagnosis
The first thing that the doctor tends to check is the breathing pattern of the patient, followed by a number of checks:

Fluid and inflammation in the lungs
Nose and throat checks
X-ray or CT scan would be required to check the condition of the lungs in advanced cases
There could be complications such as respiratory failure, respiratory arrest or congestive heart failure

Treatment:
Ideally for viruses, there isn't any cure. Medications that are prescribed are for the symptoms.

Cautious use of antibiotics for the symptoms can reduce adverse effects as well as decrease costs. It will also reduce drug resistance.
A single oral dose of nasal decongestant used in common cold could be moderately effective to aid congestion in grown-ups for a short period.
Alternate medications, such as the use of vitamin C help in the inhibition and cure of upper respiratory infections.
Prevention:

Probiotics and vaccination are available for certain infections such as URTIs, Adenoviruses and Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Best prevention is to boost your immune system.

What is the flu?
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza virus. This illness also called as seasonal influenza (earlier called as swine flu) in india that is caused by various types of flu viruses such as influenza a h1n1, h3n2, influenza b etc.

Do people in india get the flu?
Yes. Many people in india get the flu each year; mostly in winter and rainy seasons. According to ncdc, 15266 people got flu during last year; among those 1113 people died due to severe illness.

How does the flu spread?
Seasonal flu can spread from person to person by infected droplets released while coughing, sneezing or talking. People may also catch flu by touching their mouth or nose after touching something with the virus like door knobs, tables or with hand shake of infected person.

How do you know if you got the flu?
You may develop following symptoms when you have flu like illness:
fever
cough
sore throat
runny/stuffy nose
body aches
head ache
chills
fatigue
Some people may have vomiting and diarrhoea. Some people may have only respiratory symptoms without fever.

How sick do people get with the flu?
Most people with the flu get better without medications or visiting a doctor. Many will recover after a mild illness. However, some people can get very sick from the flu and some even can die from the disease.

Who may get more serious flu related illness/ complications?
If you have a high risk factor listed below and develops flu symptoms, it s possible for otherwise healthy people to develop severe illness.
Many of the people who get very sick are:
children younger than 5 years
people 65 years and older
pregnant women (and women up to 2 weeks postpartum)
residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
people who have chronic lung diseases (such as asthma, copd, ild etc.), diabetes mellitus, neurologic conditions such as stroke, heart disease, blood disorders, kidney disorders, liver disorders, weakened immune system such as people with hiv or aids, or cancer, or those on chronic steroids), adults with extreme obesity.

What should you do if you get flu?
If you get flu symptoms, stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible for at least 1 day after your fever gone; except to seek medical care. Take fever medications. Drink plenty of liquids. Eat nutritious food.

When should you seek medical care?
There are emergency warning signs that should signal anyone to seek medical care urgently. difficulty in breathing pain or pressure in the chest/abdomen sudden dizziness, confusion, inability to arouse seizures not urinating severe weakness or unsteadiness blood in sputum bluish colour in nails fever or cough that improve but then return with fever or worse cough

Who should undertake laboratory test to diagnose flu?
Laboratory testing is required for only hospitalized patients. Your doctor can assess and advice regarding this.

Are there medicines to treat flu?
Yes. Anti-viral drugs can be used to treat the flu. Most people who get sick get better without any antiviral medications. But, if you need help getting well, your doctor may decide to give you these medications.

What should you do to protect yourself from getting flu?
3 step approach will help you protect from flu.

Step 1: flu vaccination (flu shot)
every one (6 months or older) should get a flu vaccine every year before flu activity begins in their community preferably by the end of october.
it s safe to get a flu vaccine during pregnancy. It will not only decrease the risk of getting flu during pregnancy, but also protects the child for several months after birth.

Step 2: take everyday preventive actions to stop the spread of virus
stay away from sick people who have flu symptoms.
wash your hands often with soap and water; if not available with alcohol based hand rub.
cover your nose and mouth while coughing or sneezing with handkerchief.
avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
avoid crowded places.

Step 3: take flu antiviral drugs if your doctor prescribes them
antiviral drugs can make illness milder and shorten the time of sickness. They can also prevent serious flu complications, like pneumonia/respiratory failure.
antiviral drugs are different from antibiotics. They are prescription medicines and are not available over-the-counter.

Upper respiratory infection (URI) is a condition, which involves illness, mainly caused by a critical infection in the upper respiratory tract. This region includes the pharynx, larynx, nose and sinus. This infection causes diseases, such as tonsillitis (tonsils get inflamed), pharyngitis (causes sore throat) sinusitis (nasal passage becomes inflamed), laryngitis (voice box in your throat gets inflamed) and the common cold.

Causes of upper respiratory infection (URI):

Both virus and bacteria cause upper respiratory infection (URI). The most common form of virus causing this infection is known as 'rhinovirus.'
The immune system of young adults and children are often very vulnerable. Hence, they are more likely to develop upper respiratory tract infection.
URI is also contagious and airborne in nature. So if a person comes in contact with an infected person suffering from URI, he/she is likely to develop this infection.
Not washing hands before meals can also cause upper respiratory infection because the virus can be transferred easily to the mouth and can travel into your system.
If you have any lung problem or heart disease, you are more likely to be susceptible to upper respiratory infection.
Those who already have inflamed tonsils can trigger tonsillitis by drinking any cold or spicy beverage like ice-creams or cold milkshakes.
Exposure to some flu or cold can cause pharyngitis. It can also be caused by second-hand smoking.
Birth defects or structural defects in the nasal cavity or nasal polyps can cause sinusitis. Sometimes the inside part of the nose may get swollen due to the common cold and block your ducts. This is a common cause for sinusitis.
Symptoms of acute upper respiratory infection:

Congestion in the lungs or nasal area.
Whooping cough
Running nose due to the common cold.
Feelings of fatigue and lethargy throughout the day.
Your body will start aching without engaging in any physical exercise.
You can also lose consciousness in severe respiratory tract infections.
Difficulty in breathing.
Oxygen levels in the blood drop down drastically.
Sometimes in worse cases, acute upper respiratory tract infection (URI) can also cause respiratory failure, respiratory arrest and congestive heart failure. Therefore, it is necessary to book an appointment with a doctor as soon as you start experiencing the above symptoms.

Are you experiencing symptoms of flu, such as a cough, sore throat, fever, body aches and headaches? Are you feeling sick around your stomach and throwing up more than usual? This indicates you have H1N1 flu or swine flu. Swine flu is a form of influenza that affects pigs, or a form of human influenza that is caused by a related virus.

Diagnosis-
It is difficult to tell whether you have got swine flu or seasonal flu, as the associated symptoms are similar. There are a few different symptoms. A laboratory test is hence required for the detection of swine flu. Sometimes, a rapid flu test taken in a doctor s chamber is not enough for the proper diagnosis of swine flu.

For swine flu testing, a swab is taken by a doctor from the insides of your nose and the back of your throat. This test is usually taken by people who are living in hospitals or are at a high risk of death because of life-threatening conditions, because of swine flu. Children below the age of 6, people above the age of 65, and children taking aspirin therapy are more likely to develop swine flu. Adults or children suffering from lung, blood, liver and nervous system disorders are also prone to swine flu. Pregnant women and people with a weak immune system are also susceptible to swine flu.

Treatment-
Several antiviral drugs, which are used to treat seasonal flu, are used to treat swine flu as well. However, some drugs prescribed for seasonal flu do not respond to swine flu. Using these medicines enables faster treatment and also makes the patient feel better. You must take the medicines within 48 hours of observing the first swine flu symptom. They are also effective when given at a later stage. Antibiotics do not treat swine flu as the flu itself is caused by a virus and not by a bacterium.

Certain over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers and medicines for cold and flu may also help in relieving aches, fever and pain. Abstain from giving aspirin to patients below the age of eighteen as it could lead to Reye s syndrome. You can prevent yourself from getting swine flu by taking a vaccine. The same flu vaccine, which prevents seasonal flu, also protects the H1N1 swine flu strain. This can be taken in the form of a shot or a nasal spray.

Upper respiratory infection (URI) is a condition, which involves illness, mainly caused by critical infection in the upper respiratory tract. This region includes the pharynx, larynx, nose and sinus. This infection causes diseases, such as tonsillitis (tonsils get inflamed), pharyngitis (causes sore throat) sinusitis (nasal passage becomes inflamed), laryngitis (voice box in your throat gets inflamed) and common cold.

Causes of upper respiratory infection (URI):

Both virus and bacteria cause upper respiratory infection (URI). The most common form of virus causing this infection is known as 'rhinovirus.'
The immune system of young adults and children are often very vulnerable. Hence, they are more likely to develop upper respiratory tract infection.
URI is also contagious and airborne in nature. So if a person comes in contact with an infected person suffering from URI, he/she is likely to develop this infection.
Not washing hands before meals can also cause upper respiratory infection because the virus can be transferred easily to the mouth and can travel into your system.
If you have any lung problem or heart disease, you are more likely to be susceptible to upper respiratory infection.
Those who already have inflamed tonsils can trigger tonsillitis by drinking any cold or spicy beverage like ice-creams or cold milkshakes.
Exposure to some flu or cold can cause pharyngitis. It can also be caused by second hand smoking.
Birth defects or structural defects in the nasal cavity or nasal polyps can cause sinusitis. Sometimes the inside part of the nose may get swollen due to common cold and block your ducts. This is a common cause for sinusitis.
Symptoms of acute upper respiratory infection:

Congestion in the lungs or nasal area.
Whooping cough
Running nose due to common cold.
Feelings of fatigue and lethargy throughout the day.
Your body will start aching without engaging in any physical exercise.
You can also lose consciousness in severe respiratory tract infections.
Difficulty in breathing.
Oxygen levels in blood drop down drastically.
Sometimes in worse cases, acute upper respiratory tract infection (URI) can also cause respiratory failure, respiratory arrest and congestive heart failure. Therefore, it is necessary to book an appointment with a doctor as soon as you start experiencing the above symptoms.

Hello everyone,

I am Dr. Shweta Gupta, main child specialist hoon. Mai aaj swine flu ke baare mein aap sabse kuch baatein karna chahti hoon. Jaise ki hum sab jante hain ki Delhi mein is time swine flu kafi faila hua hai aur papers mein padhte hai hum log ke aaj itne cases new detect hue, itne admissions hue jiski vajah se common public ko kuch curiosity, darr, apprehensions hoti hai. So, I would just like to clear them a bit from my side. So what exactly is swine flu? It is a type of flu infection jo ki seasonal flu hai usi ka ek variant hai which spreads from H1N1 virus. Ye initially pigs mein start hua tha isilye iska naam swine flu pada hai but ab ye human to human contact se failta hai. To iska mode of spread kya hai: it is a respiratory infection. To jab koi swine flu se infected patient cheenkta hai, khansta hai to vo atmosphere mein droplets introduce karta hai, unko touch karne se, face pe aane se dusre patients ko infection ho sakta hai.

So now what are the symptoms of swine flu? Hum kaise pahchane ki hame swine flu hai ya simple sardi khasi hai. To mostly simple flu ke aur swine flu ke symptoms common hi hote hai, patient ko tej bukhar aayega, cough hoga, cold hoga, sneezing hoti hai, body ache hota hai aur kuch patients mein ulti dast bhi ho sakte hain. But severity may vary. To ab when should we think ki hame swine flu ka test karana chahiye. Agar hame symptoms mild hai to is test ki zarurat nahi hai par there is a high-risk group jinme ye symptom severe hone ka risk hai aur unko severe disease hone ke chances rehte hai. Toh ye high risk group konsa hai? Children below 5 years especially below 2 years, buzurg log more than 65 years of age ya fir kuch log jinko koi chronic disease ho jaise asthma, diabetes, heart disease, koi immune-compromised state ye log at high-risk rehte hai for a severe disease, to inn logo ko zada chaukanna ya cautious rehna chahiye.

Symptoms severe hone pe apne paediatrician ko ya apne physician ko consult karein and then they will decide whether testing is needed or not. Toh swine flu ke testing sabhi badi labs mein, hospitals mein freely available hai but iska decision aap ke doctor ke upar rahega. Jo treatment hai mild illness mein simple flu ki aur swine flu ki same hai mainly it's a symptomatic treatment, aap kafi rest le, khoob fluids le, jo aap ko bukhar ki, khansi ki syrups hoti hai vo le, dusre logo se contact thoda avoid karein, frequent hand washing karein, kahi public places mein jaye to thoda mask vagrah use karein. Uske alawa jo severe cases hai uske liye medicines available hai but that will be decided by the treating doctor, aap ko uski zarurat hai ki nahi hai. Ab main cheez hai prevention. How can we prevent us from getting this infection? To usme 2 cheezein hai: 1 to hygiene.

Hygiene ke liye aap kahi bhi crowded places pe jate hai bheed vali jagah pe you can use a mask, secondly aap frequent hand washing karein. Jo sabse important step hai for prevention is the swine flu vaccine. Swine flu vaccine is freely available or ideal time to take is between October to November, jo ki is season ki starting hoti hai, swine flu ke season ki starting hoti hai October, November jab sardiyan shuru hone vali hoti hai, iska effect 8-10 mahine tak rehta hai. To har saal ye vaccine naye strain ke hisab se nayi vaccine market mein aati hai. To jo Indian academy of paediatrics ki guidelines hai uske hisab se 6 mahine se upar aur 5 saal se chote sabhi baccho ko ye vaccine har saal lagane chahiye. Iske alawa jo log elderly log hai above 65 years unko ya fir jo log hai jinko koi chronic illness hai jaise ki maine pehle bataya tha koi heart disease hai, diabetes hai, asthama hai unko bhi ye vaccine leni chahiye. So, I would suggest stay healthy, eat healthy and be happy.

Thank you.