Swine Flu is Back in Town

A mutant variety of swine flu is back in Calcutta. The flu caused by H1N1 virus is called swine flu because it was first transmitted from pigs to humans but is now being transmitted from human to humans.
After lying dormant for nearly a year the H1N1 virus has again affected about a dozen people in Calcutta. Doctors are treating patients who have contracted swine flu with Tamiflu.
The weather is hot and the intermittent rains will only add to creating a conducive climate for the H1N1 to spread speedily. The health services and doctors are doing their bit to contain widespread infection in the city. We as responsible citizens should try and do our bit to help restrict the spread of this virus.

Here are a few tips on how to prevent getting infected and checking the spread of this deadly disease:
•    Swine flu symptoms are very much like those of common cold or influenza. Do not neglect the slightest symptoms of cold or influenza.
•    Please do not go to school, college or work if you feel ill. Don’t save your holidays for a picnic or trip to the sea, use them when you are sick to recuperate and get better. You’ll be able to enjoy all those lovely trips all the more when you are healthy!
•    Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. Anything you touch may be contaminated so keep your hands clean to avoid infection.
•    Please use hand sanitizers if you have hand sanitizers installed in your office, school or college.
•    Avoid shaking hands, embracing or kissing when greeting people.
•    Avoid using public utilities like pay phones, pens at the post offices, handles of public buses, gym equipment etc.
•    Do not use other people’s mobile phones or lend yours to others.
•    Avoid crowded places or confined areas like cinema theatres etc. or use surgical masks to prevent getting infected.
•    Wash fruits and vegetables really well before eating them.
•    Be extra careful while traveling. Confined air-conditioned coaches and cabins are particularly vulnerable areas for transferring flu virus.
•    Drink plenty of water and other fluids to keep your body’s metabolism smooth.
•    Visit your doctor and avoid self medication if you feel sick.

Here's to everybody's health, cheers!