Novel H1N1 virus--the facts .....

This is the novel H1N1 virus which has caused a sweeping pandemic throughout the world. Originating in Mexico. it travelled to the United States (where the highest number of cases have been reported from), and subsequently spread via international travellers to Europe, Australia and the Asian countries. A majority of Indians affected are those who have travelled abroad and have got infected. As there is a high proportion of professionals who travel abroad from Hyderabad, this city has recorded the highest number of cases. Pune , being the educational capital of India, had a high proportion of students coming back from summer holidays abroad, and is now registering an increasing number of cases, necessitating closure of many upmarket schools.

27th July

475 cases have been identified in India of which 353 have been discharged from hospital.( up to 28th July). Kolkata has 5 cases so far.

We have to face it. With the Influenza season fast approaching, the crowded conditions we live in, the lack of basic hygiene in many of us, the lack of disposable tissues, poor and slow diagnostic facilities, poor quarantine rules and wards, and expensive treatment options necessitating non treatment and drop outs, India remains a fertile substrate for a massive spread of this disease.

Structure:- This virus (previously reported to be swine flu) was first detected in April 2009 in the United States. It actually differs from swine flu virus, i.e, the ones affecting pigs in North America. It is called a quadruple reassortant virus because it has 4 genes of which 2 are from flu viruses in Europe and Asia, one from avian flu virus and another from human flu virus.

This virus has two proteins of different sizes:

• A Type 1 Hemagglutinin --H1
• a Neuraminidase type 1.---N1

Spread:- It mainly spreads via droplet infection from infected patients sneezing or coughing into the general atmosphere. It may also spread via hands touching places where it has been deposited and then the hand touching noses or mouths. Persons are infective one day before the actual symptoms start to one week after the abatement of the disease.

PLEASE DON"T DO THIS!!!

The virus can stay alive on wood and table surfaces for 2--8 hours. It is killed by heat (75--100 degrees Centigrade), chlorine levels in water either in treated tap water or swimming pools, hydrogen peroxide, dilute iodine solutions like Betadine, detergents like soap and alcohol based sanitizers.

Whom does it affect:- Unusually, adults above the age of 64 seem to be more immune. The proportion of persons having antibodies to this virus is highest in that group. No child and very few persons under the age of 60 years have such antibodies. One third of persons above that age seem to have natural antibodies to this.

Highest affections are in the age group of 5--24 years.

Signs and Symptoms:- Pretty much like any other flu. Fever ,headache, runny nose, coughing and sneezing, sore throat, bodyache are common. Many infected persons are getting diarrhoea and vomiting. In progressive cases, there is shortness of breath, cyanosis, drowsiness, confusion, irritability, persistent vomiting, and recurrence of symptoms.

Persons at risk of severe disease are those with pregnancy, children under 5 and those with previous respiratory diseases, diabetes etc.

Swine flu has been linked to 700 human deaths worldwide since April - and nations could consider closing schools to slow its spread (WHO--21st July 2009) 

 

Prevention:- Washing of hands frequently with soap and water, or alcohol based gels (to be rubbed till dry between hands). Do not put your finger and hands to your eyes, mouth and nose.

Stay at least 6 feet away from infected persons. Always cover your face and nose with a tissue while coughing and sneezing and insist on everyone following the same practice. Dispose of the tissue in covered trash cans.

Treatment :- There is no vaccine yet which can prevent the disease. Antiviral Drugs like oseltamivir or tamimivir  are recommended. Thankfully, the complication rates are still low. In India cases are rising at the rate of 20 per day.

So remember to wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.  Carry soap paper or liquid sanitizers with you, and wash hands after a bus or an auto ride.

Do not touch your nose, eyes and mouth without washing your hands.

Report yourself or anyone else with persisting symptoms of Flu for a test.

So far, the disease may be spreading, but we have some medicines to control it.