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| Helplines |
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Dial Toll Free
National Helpline: 1075
NCDC: 011-23921401
Latest Government of India
updates: www.mohfw.nic.in |
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| How do I Protect Myself from H1N1? |
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Stay informed |
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Understand the influenza. It
spreads mainly person to
person through coughing or
sneezing of infected people |
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Take actions to stay
healthy |
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Cover nose and mouth
with a tissue when
coughing/
sneezing |
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Throw tissue in the trash
after using |
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Wash hands often with
soap and water, especially
after coughing/sneezing |
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Avoid touching eyes, nose
or mouth |
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Stay home if sick |
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Follow public health advice |
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| Influenza Planning Amongst Emerging At-risk Populations |
| Concern is mounting over the spread of the H1N1 influenza amongst an expanding vulnerable population that includes swine and poultry workers; asthmatic and arthritic patients; those suffering from diabetes and heart disease. |
The dip in the number of recorded H1N1 infections and limited number of transmissions over the summer months should not be cause for complacency. Recent epidemiological data show a rapid increase of infections in October, and studies have shown a disproportionately high morbidity and mortality of H1N1 infections in several groups including pregnant women, chronically ill or small children. Other vulnerable groups have also shown susceptibility to H1N1.
Swine and poultry workers
Recent research shows the growing vulnerability of swine and poultry professionals, especially those working in large confinement facilities being at an increased risk of zoonotic influenza. Studies show that workers are more likely to have antibodies to new zoonotic viruses. Prospective studies have shown both serological as well as viral culture evidence of zoonotic influenza viruses.
Clearly, when a novel influenza virus emerges, there is a high probability of workers introducing the virus within their communities, posing an increased threat of pandemic. These prevention and control challenges become more relevant in the Indian context, where the vast majority of farming leaves the human-animal interface poorly demarcated and guarded.
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Make swine and poultry workers an integral part of influenza prevention programmes |
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Train agricultural workers to reduce likelihood of cross species influenza virus transmission |
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Make medical screening at symptom onset a must |
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Companion animals
In addition to humans, live swine and turkeys, ferrets (highly susceptible to influenza A viruses) and domestic cats have been found to be infected with the 2009 H1N1 virus. Studies are being carried out to evaluate the fallout of this close and intimate interaction in terms of H1N1. Available information suggests that ferrets and domestic cat with 2009 H1N1 infections acquired the virus through close contact with ill humans. Transmission of 2009 H1N1 virus from humans to animals appears similar to human-to-human transmission.
Available evidence suggests that transmission has been from ill humans to their companion animals. No evidence is available to suggest that animals are infecting humans with 2009 H1N1 virus
Those suffering from asthma
People with asthma are at higher risk for serious complications from influenza (flu), including pneumonia and 2009 H1N1 flu. This can place people with asthma at higher risk of hospitalisation when they have 2009 H1N1 flu.
The flu can make chronic health problems worse. People with asthma may experience asthma attacks while they have the flu. Those having asthma must follow recommended steps for protecting themselves and should consult their health care providers to plan next steps in the event of being afflicted with flu-like illness. They should follow an updated treatment plan that records their daily treatment; medicine intake; dosage and timing. The asthma management plan should also include a vaccination strategy.
If your child has asthma, all caregivers (babysitters, workers at day care centres, schools and camps) should know about the child's asthma action plan.
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Be extra vigilant to safeguard against asthmatic attacks and pneumonia |
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Follow a treatment plan that includes updated information on dosage of medication, timing, vaccination and diet |
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Those suffering from diabetes
People with diabetes are at increased risk for complications from influenza, including 2009 H1N1 flu. The flu may interfere with their efforts to control blood sugar levels, increasing risk of high or low blood sugar.
Those who are suffering from diabetes and are suspected to have influenza (seasonal or 2009 H1N1) should receive antiviral treatment. Antiviral drugs are most beneficial when started in the first 48 hours after illness onset, but should also be given after 48 hours to people who are not improving, especially those with a high risk condition like diabetes and those who are very sick and/or hospitalised.
Those with diabetes should get into the habit of regularly check their temperature in the morning and evening and if over 101° F should contact their family physician. They should also check their urine for ketones. If there are moderate or large amounts of ketones in the urine and blood glucose is 250mg/dl or higher, they should seek medical advice.
So far as diet is concerned, they should eat enough soft foods and drink calorie-free liquids, like water, diet soda or tea, 4-6 ounces every hour in small sips.
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Take your usual dose of pills or insulin as close as possible to the same time as usual |
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Closely monitor blood sugar levels |
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Those suffering from heart disease, stroke or cardiovascular disease
Simple precautions should be built into the daily routine of those with the above mentioned medical condition/s. Apart from washing hands often with soap and water and other basic hygiene to avoid infection they should also:
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Maintain a two-week supply of medication |
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Not discontinue medication without consulting their health care provider, especially in the event of influenza or respiratory infection |
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Be alert to changes in their breathing and promptly report changes |
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Also read |
| Source: |
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Gray GC, Trampell DW and Roth JA. Vaccine 2007; 25: 4376-4381 |
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CDC |
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WHO |
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| India Situation |
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