SWINE FLU 2018
- A 31-year-old man died of swine flu, the first H1N1 fatality reported in Uttar Pradesh
- The man succumbed to H1N1 virus which he had contracted in Dubai, where he worked in a company. UPSC PRELIMS 2015 H1N1 virus is sometimes mentioned in the news with reference to which one of the following diseases? (a) AIDS (b) Bird flu (c) Dengue (d) Swine flu
REASON
- H1N1 flu is also known as swine flu. It’s called swine flu because in the past, the people who caught it had direct contact with pigs.
- That changed several years ago, when a new virus emerged that spread among people who hadn’t been near pigs.
WHAT IS HAPPENING NOW?
- With sporadic cases of H1N1 (Influenza) being reported from across Kerala, especially in districts such as Kozhikode, doctors have sought for greater caution against the acute respiratory infection.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) says travellers visiting countries in the opposite hemisphere during the influenza season are at special risk, particular if they do not have some degree of immunity through recent infection or regular vaccination. The elderly, people with pre-existing chronic diseases and young children are most susceptible to complications. H1N1 VIRUS / SWINE FLU In 2009, H1N1 was spreading fast around the world, so the World Health Organization called it a pandemic. Since then, people have continued to get sick from swine flu, but not as many.
CAUSES OF SWINE FLU
Swine flu is contagious, and it spreads in the same way as the seasonal flu. When people who have it cough or sneeze, they spray tiny drops of the virus into the air. If you come in contact with these drops or touch a surface (such as a doorknob or sink) that an infected person has recently touched, you can catch H1N1 swine flu.
HOW TO STAY SAFE FROM SWINE FLU
- Wash your hands frequently using clean water and soaps – practising good personal hygiene can help prevent the spread of swine flu infections.
- Avoid touching your face, including your nose, eyes, mouth – as touching these areas can bring viruses that are on the hands • Do not go to school or work if you’re ill or experiencing symptoms related to swine flu.
- Avoid large crowds, especially during swine flu season
- Eat a healthy diet, focusing on foods that are rich in vitamin C – such as Amla and other citrus fruits – to boost your immunity
- Drink plenty of fluids and water, including warm liquids to stay well hydrated and help your system functions properly.
Latest Burning Issues | Free PDF
WhatsApp