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Mortality due to swine flu is less than 2%

Dr Anil Shetty, Department of Paediatrics, Father Muller Medical College, Mangalore clarified several myths doing the rounds on the flu.

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There is no let up in the toll taken by H1N1 virus in the state. Although not particularly confined to an age group, children younger than 5 years, adults aged above 65 years, pregnant women, and children and adults suffering from pre-existing infections or immune disorders are most susceptible to the virus. Dr Anil Shetty, Department of Paediatrics, Father Muller Medical College, Mangalore, spoke to DNA, clarifying several myths doing the rounds on the flu.

What precautions should parents take to protect their children?
Wash hands with soap and water, especially following a bout of cough. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough. Stay at home when sick. Avoid crowds; stay at least seven feet away from people who are sick. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

Are masks effective?
Regular hand washing and staying away from sick people is more effective than wearing face masks. Disposable masks are not very effective in preventing the spread of infections. Surgical masks are worn to prevent transmission of any bacteria or aerosols, and not as a protective measure. The N95 is not a mask but is classified as a respirator by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

What are the symptoms in children affected by H1N1?
The symptoms are high grade fever, cough, sore throat, headache, body ache, chills, fatigue, diarrhoea and vomiting. In a worst case scenarios, it might lead to respiratory failure, sepsis, dehydration or electrolyte imbalance. Mortality in most cases has been attributed to these complications. However, mortality due to swine flu is less than 2% but higher among vulnerable children.

What measures need to be taken to prevent transmission?
Swine flu is spread by coughing and sneezing, and the resultant aerosols. Swine flu neither spreads through pork nor is the virus transmitted through food. Swine flu is contagious during the first five days of illness. The best measures are regular washing of hands and social distancing. 

What treatment and medication are advised for swine flu?
Children with suspected swine flu should not be given any medication that contains aspirin. Anti-viral drugs like Tamilflu are administered. Tamilflu is more effective if taken at the onset of symptoms. Tamilflu may have side effects in children such as  are nausea, vomiting and confusion.  

Can mothers who have swine flu continue to breast-feed?
The virus is not transmitted through breastfeeding. Lactating mothers can wear a mask. Mothers must wash hands before handling the baby. The effects Tamilflu on an unborn child and breast-fed infants are unknown. Tamilflu is not recommended during pregnancy and for nursing mothers. Consult a doctor before taking medication in these situations.

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