What to do in case of flu
Nadira GUNATILLEKE
The Healthcare and Nutrition Ministry requested the public to
identify Novel Influenza (A)H1N1 accurately from the ordinary flu that
is spreading rapidly in the country these days. Both diseases have
similar symptoms, a Ministry spokesman said.
All patients with suspected (A)H1N1 influenza attending hospitals
(government/private) will be screened to assess their illness and only
patients with severe or progressive symptoms will be admitted to
hospitals for laboratory diagnosis and treatment with specific anti
virals.
Those with mild illness would be managed as out patients with
supportive medication and directed for home care. Patients should take
supportive medication as prescribed such as non aspirin drugs for fever,
anti allergic drugs for sneezing and runny nose and antibiotics for a
possible bacterial infection. They should stay away from work/school and
other public places and crowded settings for either seven days after
onset of symptoms, until 24 hours after symptoms subside-whichever is
longer.
They should also take bed rest, plenty of liquids, maintain a good
diet, avoid close contact with family members and wear a face mask or a
clean handkerchief/cloth over nose and mouth at such occasions if
possible.
They should wash hands frequently with soap and water and specially
after touching face, cough and sneeze into the elbow or into a
handkerchief (this should either be disposed safely or washed with soap
and water when wet) and seek medical attention urgently if the symptoms
get worse or if they develop any of the danger signs,he said.
Persons considered as at higher risk for complications of H1N1
Influenza should seek prompt medical attention if their symptoms worsen.
They are children younger than two years old, adults 65 years and older,
pregnant women, people with certain chronic medical or immuno
suppressive conditions such as chronic lung (including asthma),
cardiovascular (excluding hypertension), renal, hepatic, hematological
(including sickle cell disease), metabolic disorders (including diabetes
mellitus), immuno suppression, including that caused by medications or
by HIV, those with disorders that can compromise respiratory function
e.g spinal cord injuries, seizure disorders and the people younger than
19 years of age who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy.
(A)H1N1 symptoms]
* Symptoms similar to seasonal flu.
* Symptoms usually include fever, running nose,
sneezing, sore throat, cough, headache and muscle or joint pains.
* Symptoms may last for a few days up to a week
and may not require specific anti viral treatment.
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