One sneeze is all it takes to set off a panic-stricken reaction, thanks to the various reports of the H1N1 virus that seems to have spread across Tamil Nadu. Also called swine flu, the initial symptoms are similar to that of the common flu — cough, fever, and diarrhoea. Since both are viral in nature, it is not easy to differentiate in the early stages, says Dr Ramesh Gopalswamy, Mobile Medical Officer at Anaikatti-Attapady region and Quality Assurance Officer at the Government Tribal Speciality Hospital, Kottathara, adding, “But if you also have vomiting, lethargy, and loss of appetite, you need to see the doctor.”Swine flu is highly contagious and communicability begins from day one of onset of symptoms. Younger children may potentially be contagious for longer periods. What can one do to stay safe? The first step, says Dr Gopalswamy, is to wash one’s hands regularly and properly. He lists other steps: Practise cough etiquette, don’t shake hands, avoid close contact with people who have flu-like illnesses, stay away from crowded places and, most important, stay at home if you have flu-like symptoms. What about wearing a mask? No need, he says but adds sternly, “no self testing or self medicating either.”He suggests that everyone gets a vaccine but recommends that this is done under medical supervision since some vaccines are contraindicated for pregnant women. Children below eight years who are being vaccinated for the first time must have repeat dose with a four-weeks gap between the two. “Annual re-vaccination is mandatory,” emphasises Dr Gopalswamy, “because a new strain emerges every year.”n Coimbatore, for the first time in their history, some paediatric hospitals have a waiting list for the seasonal flu vaccine. Dr Saranya Manickaraj, consultant paediatrician and neonatalogist, Womens Center by Motherhood, says that patients have to wait to get the shot. The vaccine, according to her, is the best preventive measure against seasonal flu.“In India, the flu season is from September to February. We advise children between six months and five years be vaccinated two to four weeks before the season starts,” says Dr Saranya, so that the vaccine gets sufficient time to kick in before the peak season. Children in the high-risk category — such as those born pre-term, those with underlying respiratory issues such as asthma, kidney, liver and heart diseases — are advised to take the flu shot, available at any paediatric clinic for ?1000. With Coimbatore seeing several incidences of fever, Dr Saranya advices parents to observe some precautionary measures.
