Swine flu (H1N1) is contagious and spreads through coughing, sneezing, talking, or even through contaminated objects or surfaces from an infected person.
People at higher risk of developing serious complications of the flu include:
- all children less than 5 years may be of age max 7 times more risk of hospitalization
- pregnant women which can be ~7 times higher risk of hospitalization and ~4 times high risk of stillbirth
- diabetic adult but may be ~3 times higher risk of hospitalization
- asthma patients but may be >4 times higher risk of serious illness
- all elderly above 65 years may be of age ~2.5 times more risk of hospitalization
Symptoms include:
- fever and chills
- cough and sore throat
- runny/stuffy nose
- Headache and body aches
- diarrhea and fatigue
Complications include secondary bacterial infections, pneumonia and bronchitis which can lead to hospitalization and sometimes death.
Correct diagnosis can be made by PCR test only on the recommendation of a doctor.
Consultant Pediatrician Dr Upendra Kinjwadekar,
Elected President of Indian Academy of Pediatrics“Despite the infectious nature and severity of disease, swine flu is preventable
vaccination,
4in1 flu vaccination Protects against 4 different flu strains available in the market including H1N1. Flu vaccination is well tolerated and is especially recommended by pediatricians as an annual vaccination for children aged 6 months to 5 years.
Consultant Chest Physician Dr. Agam Vora,
General Secretary of Association of Physicians of Indiasaid, “One of the effective ways of dealing with the resurgence waves of
Swine flu (H1N1) Get yourself and your family members vaccinated every year with one
4in1 flu shot, I have been getting flu shots for myself and those close to me for 20 years. I firmly believe that everyone can benefit from flu vaccination.”
All high-risk groups mentioned above are also recommended
Flu Vaccine Some other simple ways doctors can prevent seasonal flu include:
- washing hands frequently
- Use mask in crowded places
- Avoid coming in contact with infected person
Consult your doctor for more details.
Disclaimer: Issued in the public interest by GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Dr. Annie Besant Road, Worli, Mumbai 400 030, India. The information appearing in this material is for general awareness only. Nothing contained in this material is medical advice. Please consult your doctor for any medical questions, any questions or concerns regarding your condition. The disease list indicated for vaccination is not complete. Please consult your doctor for the complete vaccination schedule. The views/opinions expressed by the doctor are independent and are not influenced in any way by any organisation. NP-IN-FLT-OGM-220030, DoP: Aug. 2022.
This article has been produced on behalf of GSK by Times Internet’s Spotlight team.