PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE / Dehradun
With changing weather creating favourable conditions for the spread of swine flu, Dehradun chief medical officer Dr Manoj Kumar Sharma wrote to the chief education officer on Friday to spread awareness and prevention information about H1N1 in all government and non-government educational institutions in the district.
It is important to mention 565 cases of swine flu (Influenza H1NI) have been reported in Dehradun district so far. In the letter, Sharma stated that as per data of past years, this season and the next few months are favourable for diseases related to swine flu. Efforts should be made to control cases as much as possible.
He said H1N1 influenza is a viral disease similar to common seasonal colds and spreads through coughing or sneezing (droplet infection). In case of symptoms, a doctor should be consulted and rest should be taken at home under normal circumstances. Medicines for control and treatment of H1N1 are available free of cost in all government hospitals.
Sharma directed in the letter that if any student, teacher or employee has flu-like symptoms, he should not be allowed to attend school or should be required to wear a mask. Unnecessary gatherings should be avoided. Additionally, if any type of H1N1 symptoms are found in any student/teacher/employee, immediately contact the nearest hospital.
Dehradun CMO also stated that the guidelines include dos and don’ts if the symptoms appear. Wash hands with soap and water, wear a mask, avoid crowded places, cover mouth and nose with handkerchief while sneezing and coughing, drink plenty of fluids, avoid touching eyes and nose and take paracetamol for fever and body ache. Do not shake hands, do not spit in public places and do not take antibiotics or other medicines without doctor’s advice. Do not pay attention to rumours related to unnecessary testing and treatment, he stated.
