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What is Swine flu?

Swine flu is a respiratory disease associated with pigs, but in this case the H1N1 strain of swine flu has affected humans. It is spreading through human-to-human contact. The disease can continue to mutate, making it hard to treat.

H1N1 viruses characterized in this outbreak has not been previously detected in pigs or humans.

Swine flu symptoms

The symptoms are similar to those of regular flu – fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headaches, chills, fatigue, diarrhea, and vomiting.

Precautions against Swine flu

Currently there is no vaccine for the virus, though experts recommend the use of Tami flu. As a precautionary measure, people are being advised to avoid travel to affected areas.

Avoid exposure to people who have the flu and follow good hygiene practices like washing hands regularly.

Swine flu and India

There are reported cases of Swine flu in India now, the Government agencies are already on the alert mode and precautionary measures in action.

Here is the list of emergency hospitals/ helpline numbers for swine flu for the major Indian cities.

All India toll free H1N1 helpline: 1075 or 1800-11-4377

Delhi: Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital: 011-24525211, 23404328, 23365525

Deen Dayal Hospital: 011-2512 5259

Chennai: Communicable Diseases Hospital – 044-25912686.

Coimbatore Medical College Hospital – 09442012555

Kolkata: Infectious Diseases Hospital: 09433392182/ 09434009077

Hyderabad: AP Chest Diseases Hospital: 040-23814939

Mumbai: Kasturba Hospital: 022-23083901, 23083902, 23083903, 23083904

Pune: Dr Naidu Infectious Disease Hospital – 09923130909

Bangalore: Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Chest Diseases – 91-80-26632634

Lakeside Hospital – 80-5360823

India has alerted those traveling to Mexico, USA, Canada, France and New Zealand. Passengers flying into India from affected countries will be screened at six major Indian airports including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore and Goa. Several Asian and middle eastern countries have stepped up protective measures to curb the spread of the virus.

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