FACTS SHEET – INFLUENZA A (H1N1)

• What is influenza – A(H1N1)

Influenza – A (H1N1) (earlier know as swine flu) is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. First detected in Mexico in April, 2009, it has spread to many countries in the World. Swine flu is basically a misnomer. This was originally referred to as “swine flu” because laboratory testing showed that many of the genes in this new virus were very similar to those found in pigs in North America. Further on, it has been found that this new virus has gene segments from the swine, avian and human flu virus genes. The scientists calls this a ‘quadruple reassortant” virus and hence this new (novel) virus is christened “influenza-A (H1N1) virus.”

• Influenza A(H1N1) outbreak

It is causing an epidemic among humans in Mexico and it has spread to Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Denmark, Ecuador, El Salvador, Finland, France, Germany, Guatemala, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, UK and USA.

• Are there human/infections with influenza – A (H1N1) in India?

One passenger who traveled to India from USA has tested positive for Influenza A [H1N1]. There is no further spread from him. Do not panic!

• Is it safe to take pork items?

Pigs have nothing to do with this disease. Pork products are absolutely safe if properly cooked. There is no need to cull pigs. Do not panic if some pigs die in the community due to natural disease.

• Is this flu virus contagious?

Influenza A (H1N1) virus is contagious and spreading from human to human.

• What are the signs and symptoms of influenza-A (H1N1) in people?

The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with influenza-A (H1N1)

• How does influenza-A (H1N1) spread?

Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through droplets created while coughing or sneezing by a person infected with the influenza-A (H1N1).

• How can someone with the flu infect someone else?

Infected person may be able to infect others beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to seven or more days after becoming sick.

• How to keep away from getting the flu?

First and most important: Follow simple steps as cough etiquettes (covering mouth & nose with handkerchief or tissue paper while coughing), stay at least an arm’s length from persons coughing or sneezing, avoid gathering and wash your hands frequently. Try to stay in good general health. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious food.

• Are there medicines to treat this flu?

Yes. Necessary medicines in sufficient quantity are available. The Government has in the designated hospitals stored medicines if required. It is strongly advisable not to take medicines of your own, as it will lower your immunity.

• What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?

(a) Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
(b) Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
(c) Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
(d) Try to avoid close contact with people having respiratory illness.
(e) If one gets sick with influenza, one must stay at home, away from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. However, if one is having any respiratory distress, one should report to a nearby hospital.

• What steps Government of India taking to prevent outbreak of this flu in India?

(1) The strategy is basically to detect early cases among the passengers coming from the affected countries either by air, road or ship.
(2) The Government has launched a massive mass media campaign to inform and educate people on dos and do nots.
(3) Sharing information with public through media.

APPEAL

People who have traveled from the affected countries in the past ten days and show symptoms of influenza A (H1N1) like fever, cough, sore throat and difficulty in breathing should immediately contact the telephone number given below or the nearby Government Hospital.

IMPORTANT CONTACT NUMBERS:

Outbreak Monitoring Cell (Control Room, NICD): 011-23921401

Important Websites:

www.mohfw.nic.in; www.nicd.nic.in

Swine flu information

Pune Swine flu information is available at: http://www.indianexpress.com/news/all-about-swine-flu/495447/0
Few more Links : http://www.swineflu.co.in/
http://www.mohfw.nic.in/SWINEFLU.htm


In case I have symptoms, where do I get tested for H1N1 in Pune?
You need to meet the doctors at Naidu hospital for examination.

Where is Naidu hospital?
Naidu hospital is located near the Pune railway station. It is next to Hotel Le Meridian next to Raja Bahadur mill. When you go towards Le Meridian from RTO, take a left turn just before Le Meridian hotel and follow the signs.

What procedure do I have to follow at Naidu hospital?
Locate the Quarantine ward at Naidu hospital. It is at ward number 7.
Meet the doctors for counseling. Doctors would guide you through the process.
The doctors decide whether you need to be administered the test or not.
In case you need not be tested, you are free to leave.

What tests are done by the doctors?
In case you need to go through the test, you need to stay in the quarantine for a day. A sample of saliva is taken on a swab from your throat and nose. This sample is sent to National Institute of Virology (NIV) Pune. NIV tests the sample and declares the result by 3 pm if the sample is sent before 8 am on the same day. The result could be positive or negative or there is no decision.

In case you are negative, you can go home.

In case there is no decision, you need to stay one more day in the quarantine. Sample is taken the next day and testing is done.

In case you are positive, you have H1N1 virus infection. In that case, you need to be in the quarantine ward for five days including the day of testing. Medicines are given to you and doctors visit you two or three times a day. Preventive medication is also given to your family members. On the fifth day, testing is done to confirm that the test is negative.

What do I expect at the quarantine?
The quarantine area is a hospital ward.

The hospital provides a bed and masks to you. You need to wear a mask all the time. Carry a mobile phone so that you can reach your family using the phone. Ask your family members to get you food, water and tea/coffee/milk. You can take your laptop and reading material so that you can spend your time well during your stay at the hospital.

Toilets are common for the ward. There is no hot water in the bathroom, so taking bath is optional.  Your family members cannot meet you. They can meet the attendant and hand over your tiffin to the attendant. The attendant will hand over the tiffin to you.

If your young child is infected, you can help her/him by being with her/him in the quarantine. You cannot get out during the mandatory period. You need to take medication to prevent the infection and also wear a mask at all times.

Safety Alert: Informative Plastic coding system

Did you ever drink from a plastic bottle and see a triangle symbol on the bottom with a number inside?



Do you know what the number stands for?
Did you guess that it's just for recycling?
Then you are WRONG !!!!!!
THE NUMBER TELLS YOU THE CHEMICAL MAKE UP OF THE PLASTIC.....

1) Polyethylene terephalate (PET)
2) High density polyethylene (HDPE)
3) Unplasticised polyvinyl chloride (UPVC) or Plasticised polyvinyl chloride (PPVC)
4) Low density polyethylene LDPE
5) Polypropylene (PP)
6) Polystyrene (PS) or Expandable polystyrene (EPS)
7) Other, including nylon and acrylic
What you aren't told is that many of the plastics used are toxic and the chemicals used to create a plastic can leach out of the plastic and into the food / drink.
Think about it, how many times have oua or a friend said "I don't like this, it taste like the plastic bottle ..... "
THAT'S BECAUSE YOU ARE TASTING THE PLASTIC

Did you know chemical released by plastic water bottles can cause cancer


(It is not the water that affecting you but the chemical releasing from the bottle)
pl. circulate to all AS Chakan Officer’s

The WORST ONES are Nos: 3, 6, and 7 !!!

DO NOT USE THESE NUMBERS if stated at the bottom of the bottle) !!!


Check out this chart that breaks down the plastic, its uses and chemical makeup
(I find #7 a little scary)
http://www.epd. gov.hk/epd/ english/environm entinhk/waste/ guide_ref/ guide_plascod3. html




AVOID re-using plastic bottles RIGHT AWAY!!!



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Thanks and regards,
Jai Prakash Mishra
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Swine Flu (H1N1 Flu)

Recently increasing number cases of H1N1 Flu, commonly known as Swineflu have been identified in Pune especially in schools . This number is reportedly increasing daily as per the various reports. While government officials and doctors advise there is no need for panic, they emphasise it is important to be alert and aware to be prepared to take necessary steps both for prevention as well as treatment, in case of symptoms.
In wake of this situation we are publishing the following guidelines to be followed at work in the interest of individuals who may show some signs of being unwell as well as to avoid spreading the infection to others.

1. Since most of the cases of have come from travel to foreign countries where this was widespread – it is important that all employees who come back from travel abroad, need to take two days off from office on return. In case any signs of flu are noticed in these days then the person needs to get checked up and cleared from H1N1 before resuming work.

2. The influenza A(H1N1) virus appears to be as contagious as seasonal flu. In case you or your immediate family show any such signs as shown below, please consult the doctor and if necessary get yourself checked before coming to office.

3. Stay home, if you are feeling unwell. Rest is advised by the doctors in such conditions, apart from medication and diet.

Signs & Symptoms
You will not be able to tell the difference between seasonal flu and influenza A(H1N1) without medical help. Signs of influenza A(H1N1) are flu-like, including fever, cough, headache, muscle and joint pain, sore throat and runny nose, and sometimes vomiting and diarrhoea.
Only your medical practitioner and local health authority can confirm a case of influenza A(H1N1).

To prevent kindly take following precaution
Avoid close contact and maintain a distance of about one meter from people who show influenza-like symptoms
Avoid touching your mouth, eyes and nose
Wash your hands with soap and water and dry them thoroughly, especially if you touch your mouth and nose
Cover your nose and mouth if you sneeze or cough and use disposable tissues
Avoid crowded areas, improve airflow in your living space if possible.
Maintain personal hygiene and Practice safe food consumption and adequate sleep
Avoid close contact with wild birds / animals. Stay away from the Zoo.
Ensure your regular workplace is kept clean.
Immediately contact physician in case of illness and fatigue or weakness.

The treatment
For H1N1 flu is available only at the Pune Municipal Corporation's Naidu hospital and Aundh general hospital. Below mentioned are the helpline/landline numbers of these Hospitals:
• 24 hour Helpline number - 020-20250050
• Aundh Hospital, Near ICFAI Business School, Aundh Camp - 020 – 27280603/2
• Naidu Hospital, Near Le Meridian Hotel, Pune GPO - 020 – 26126242

As per the latest reports, more medical centers are being appointed for diagnosis/treatment. We urge you to keep yourself updated about this information, which is being published by news/TV media.

For more information on Swine flu visit:
http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/guidance/individuals/en/index.html (WHO website)
http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/frequently_asked_questions/what/en/index.html (WHO website)
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/all-about-swine-flu/495447/0 (for additional reading from the local news paper)

We shall continue to monitor the situation in Pune and will communicate as necessary with updates.

Thanks,
HR Team

FAQs ( Source: Local newspaper site )

In case I have symptoms, where do I get tested for H1N1 in Pune?
You need to meet the doctors at Naidu hospital for examination.

Where is Naidu hospital?
Naidu hospital is located near the Pune railway station. It is next to Hotel Le Meridian next to Raja Bahadur mill. When you go towards Le Meridian from RTO, take a left turn just before Le Meridian hotel and follow the signs.

What procedure do I have to follow at Naidu hospital?
Locate the Quarantine ward at Naidu hospital. It is at ward number 7.
Meet the doctors for counseling. Doctors would guide you through the process.
The doctors decide whether you need to be administered the test or not.
In case you need not be tested, you are free to leave.

What tests are done by the doctors?
In case you need to go through the test, you need to stay in the quarantine for a day. A sample of saliva is taken on a swab from your throat and nose. This sample is sent to National Institute of Virology (NIV) Pune. NIV tests the sample and declares the result by 3 pm if the sample is sent before 8 am on the same day. The result could be positive or negative or there is no decision.

In case you are negative, you can go home.

In case there is no decision, you need to stay one more day in the quarantine. Sample is taken the next day and testing is done.

In case you are positive, you have H1N1 virus infection. In that case, you need to be in the quarantine ward for five days including the day of testing. Medicines are given to you and doctors visit you two or three times a day. Preventive medication is also given to your family members. On the fifth day, testing is done to confirm that the test is negative.

What do I expect at the quarantine?
The quarantine area is a hospital ward.

The hospital provides a bed and masks to you. You need to wear a mask all the time. Carry a mobile phone so that you can reach your family using the phone. Ask your family members to get you food, water and tea/coffee/milk. You can take your laptop and reading material so that you can spend your time well during your stay at the hospital.

Toilets are common for the ward. There is no hot water in the bathroom. Your family members cannot meet you. They can meet the attendant and hand over your tiffin to the attendant. The attendant will hand over the tiffin to you.

If your young child is infected, you can help her/him by being with her/him in the quarantine. You cannot get out during the mandatory period. You need to take medication to prevent the infection and also wear a mask at all times.