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09.12.2017 Health

Swine Flu And What You Need To Know---The Basics

By Raphael Kumah Abolasom
Swine Flu And What You Need To Know---The Basics
09.12.2017 LISTEN

A healthy mind lives in a healthy body, likewise health is the wealth of every nation. The outbreak of Swine flu at the Kumasi Academy in the Ashanti Region has necessitated the need for each and every one to be abreast with what swine flu is and what to do to avoid or treat it!

My condolence to the bereaved families; may the souls of our departed brethren be accepted into the heavenly home of the Almighty.

WHAT IS SWINE FLU OR H1NI FLU?
H1N1 is also known as swine flu.It is caused by a virus. The name swine flu emerged as a result of the fact that people contracted this kind of flu after coming in contact with infected pigs. Over time, people contracted this disease without necessarily haven to get a direct contact with a piggy. This became a “new” virus known as the H1NI Virus.

MODE OF TRANSMISSION:
It is airborne, hence can easily be contracted even when standing next to an infected person who sneezes or coughs on you without covering the mouth and nose. If an infected person coughs or sneezes and produces these “viral droplets” on any surface, you can also contract it when you touch those surfaces as well. So you can imagine what will happen when you kiss an infected person.

It is worthy to discard the erroneous impression, that one can contract it from eating pork or any piggy well prepared products. Feel free to eat your well cooked pork!

SYMPTOMS:
Fever, cough, runny nose, Sore throat,chills, fatigue, Body aches and Headache are some of the symptoms of the H1NI flu.

COMPLICATIONS;
Complications can include pneumonia, lung infection, and acute respiratory infections. Diabetic and asthmatic conditions could also deteriorate.


PREVENTION:
-Obtain a flu vaccineannually.
- Wash your hands thoroughly under running water after handshake or simply use hand sanitizers.

-Avoid overcrowded places.
-Don't touch your eyes, nose, or mouth after coming in direct contact (with your hands) with people.

-observe infection prevention practices at all times and most particularly when around sick people.

-Constantly observe personal hygiene. This should be seen as a standard way of a healthy life.

TREATMENT:
For the tendency of people to self-medicate and abuse medicines, I am not going to go into any specific treatment. The best practice is for infected persons to visit the nearest health facility for treatment. However, some antiviral drugs used in the treatment seasonal flu can also be used for the H1N1 flu. The efficacy of the drugs is better when taken within 48 hours of the first flu symptoms, that notwithstanding, drugs can still be used when a diagnosis is made. H1NI is caused by a virus hence, no need in wasting your time on antibiotics for the treatment of only flu! Pain, medications could be added to relief aches, pains, and fever. Don't give aspirin to children under age 18 because of the risk of Reye’s syndrome and know which pain relief is appropriate for persons with peptic ulcer disease.

Lest I forget, wash your hands with soap under running water now, and always!

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