Alarmed by the rise in swine flu cases across the city, especially among children, schools have started educating students about the importance of hygiene in preventing the deadly virus from spreading.
Alarmed by the rise in swine flu cases across the city, especially among children, schools have started educating students about the importance of hygiene in preventing the deadly virus from spreading.
1/4th of swine flu victims are kids
If figures are to be believed, around 1/4th of the victims in the city are children. On Friday, BMC swine flu report revealed that 16 people had tested positive in the city, including 4 children.
Dr Mukesh Sanklecha, paediatrician at Bombay Hospital, said, "There is a rise in the number of children being brought in with symptoms of cough, cold, fever and wheezing. Since we can't test all, only severe cases are admitted and tested for swine flu."
Avoid overcrowded places, advise docs
Dr Sanklecha added they were instructing parents to avoid taking children to crowded places like malls and birthday parties, as well as giving them tips on hygiene. "We are asking parents of children who have flu to not send them to schools," he added.
Schools spread awareness
So far, 89 people have tested positive for swine flu in the city. The virus has claimed 7 lives.
Vandana Arora, principal, Nahar International School, Andheri, said, "We have in-house doctors in the school. With their help, we keep organising awareness programs for parents on how to keep their children away from different diseases."
Some institutions, like the Children's Academy Group of Schools, are making banners on preventive measures. Rohit Bhatt, the group's CEO, said, "During assembly, we are spreading the word and also conducting skits in classrooms on maintaining hygiene. There is a school application subscribed by many parents where we are providing preventive measures on swine flu."
Don't ignore symptoms
Schools are also requesting the parents not to sent their child to school if they are not well. Alice Vaz, Ryan International School, Kharghar, said, "We have given pointers to students on hygiene. Due to exam season, parents force their children to attend school. Hence we have told parents also to not avoid their children's health and not ignore symptoms like cough or fever."
The union health ministry, in its revised guidelines issued on Wednesday, has classified flu cases in the 'A' category (who do not need testing and can stay at home but must avoid contact with high-risk family members), 'B' category (who do not need H1N1 tests but may need Oseltamivir) and 'C' category (who may have symptoms like breathlessness blood pressure drop etc., who should be tested and hospitalised).
Do's and Don'ts
Cover mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
Wash your hands with soap or use sanitiser
Avoid touching your nose, eyes and mouth
Drink plenty of water and eat nutritious food
Sleep 8 hours a day
Avoid handshakes/contact greetings
Don't spit in the open
Avoid self-medication
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}