H1N1 vaccine might be available by year-end

Generally, a disease is declared as a pandemic by the World Health Organisation only after six months of its occurrence. But H1N1 has been declared as a pandemic merely after six weeks, thereby mirroring the pace of the contagion. In wake of the fast spreading malady, Dr H Paremesh, director and pediatric pulmonologist, Lakeside medical centre and Hospital, and President, Private hospitals and nursing homes’ Association spoke to DNA about his approach to tackling the H1N1 virus.

How did Lakeside hospital become the only private hospital treating H1N1 patients in the city?
Lakeside hospital specialises in treating respiratory disorders. Being a pulmonologist, I ensure that patients are not infected by one another. We have been treating the infected patients and the suspected cases of H1NI sent to the city, ever since the Health and Family Welfare department approached us. Usually, patients prefer private hospitals although the procedure for treatment is the same.

What precautions are taken to ensure that the hospital staff does not get affected?
Precautions taken by hospital staff includes maintaining  good personal hygiene, covering  nose and mouth while coughing and sneezing, using cotton handkerchiefs or tissue paper and thoroughly washing hands. It is equally important to avoid touching shiny and steel surfaces in the vicinity of the infected patients.
 
How does your hospital ensure that the virus does not spread to other patients?
We treat the H1N1 patients in a separate floor and they do not come in contact with the other patients. We create awareness about the pandemic in our hospital. We guide our patients about the disease and even share with them about how effectively the disease is treated. There has been a marginal decline in the number of outpatients in our hospital as they are scared that they might get infected if they visited our hospital.

How can more private hospitals join the Health and Family welfare department to tackle H1N1?
Other hospitals are also willing to treat the H1N1 infected patients, if directives are sent from the Health and Family Welfare department. We will stand by the government and lend support, in case of any requirement. One or two rooms can be reserved exclusively to treat the H1N1 infected patients.

Can swine flu be prevented through vaccination?
As of now, there is no vaccine. But the World Health Organisation is coming up with a vaccine to prevent the infection of H1N1 virus. It will be available in the market within December. Two pharmaceutical companies in India have acquired the license to manufacture the drug. To start with, medical professionals who are treating the infected patients will be vaccinated.