IMPHAL, March 11: The interactive lecture-cum-awareness programme on `Swine Flu`™ was held today at the Shija Hospital.
Speaking at the awareness progamme Dr Sachi, Epidemiology Health Directorate stated that occasionally, pigs transmit influenza viruses to people, mainly to hog farmers and veterinarians and less often, someone infected passes the infection to others.
Elaborating on the influenza virus H1N1 which is now popularly known as `Swine Flu`™ was first recognized in spring 2009, related illness were increasing in much of the world and as a result the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the infection a global Pandemic he added.
He continued that Swine Flu symptoms develop about one to three days after one has been exposed to the virus and will continue only for about seven days.
The influenza virus infects cells lining of nose, throat and lungs.
The virus enters into a body when one inhales contaminated droplets or transfers live virus from a contaminated surface to one`™s eyes, nose or mouth and one can`™t catch swine flu from eating pork he added.
Regarding the treatment of Swine Flu Dr. Sachi said that as in most cases of flu, including H1N1 flu, require only symptom relief.
The antiviral drugs for swine are oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza) are sometimes prescribed to reduce the severity of the symptoms, but flu viruses can develop resistance to them he said.
Dr Sachi also said that doctors did not recommend Swine Flu vaccination because there is no assurance that it will be prevented cent percent.
There are chances to get infected by the vaccinated persons too and there is a permanent side effect after vaccinated by the swine flu vaccine he said.
The best way to prevent from such virus is to stay healthy and hygiene; wash hand thoroughly and frequently, contain one cough and sneezes, avoid contact, reduce exposure within one household consuming lots of liquid, sleep more to help immune system fight infection said Dr Sachi.
He also said that using normal mask won`™t do much help as even the three layer mask known as N95 also prevent only 50 percent and it is best if the sick person used the mask and not compulsion or necessary to used mask by the normal people.
Dr Palin, Shija Hospital Proprietor during the programme said that there is no machine or instrument in the state to detect the `Swine Flu`™ and swab samples have to be sent to Mumbai and takes around five days to get the report. It is also at the cost of approximately it cost around Rs 5000/ a head.
As of now it is quite expensive for every individual to get the test done said Dr Palin.
The awareness programme was also attended by P Narendra, consultant Medicine Shija Hospital staff of Shija hospital and media persons.