Stress makes headaches worse and can even make you develop a headache in the first place. Learning how to relax can help you to keep headaches under control.
There are many different ways to relax or reduce stress. The following are seven relaxation techniques that headache sufferers have found useful. Try to do one each day:
1. Have a massage
New research suggests that massage can reduce the frequency of headaches. In a study, people with a history of migraines who had a 45-minute weekly massage had fewer headaches than those who didn’t receive massages. It’s thought that massage works by relaxing tight muscles that can trigger headaches and also by reducing sensations of pain and stress.
2. Breathe easy
Try some deep breathing to prevent headaches. Imagine a point just below your belly button. Breathe into that spot, filling your stomach with air. Let the air fill you from the stomach up, then let it out like deflating a balloon. With every long, slow breath you breathe out you should feel more relaxed.
Slowing down your breathing will also help you relax. Do this by taking long, slow breaths. Count slowly to five as you breathe in and then count slowly to five as you breathe out. Your body will naturally relax as your breathing slows.
3. Relax your mind
A technique called mental imagery relaxation, or guided imagery, is a proven way of relaxing and coping better with stress and pain. Conjure up a calm, peaceful image in your mind, for example a tropical beach scene or clouds floating across the sky, and hold that scene in your head as a sort of mental escape. Try doing this as soon as you feel a headache developing and you could find it’s less painful and over more quickly than usual.
4. Listen to music
Combine your relaxation exercises with your favourite music in the background and you’ll relax even more. Go for music that lifts your spirits or that you find soothing and calming. You can buy specially made relaxation tapes or DVDs that usually include music and relaxation instructions.
5. Relax your muscles
Try this simple 10-minute exercise to ease muscle tension.
While lying down, take a few deep breaths, breathing out slowly. Scan your body in your mind, starting at your toes and moving up to the top of your head. Recognise any areas that feel tense. Relax these areas, releasing as much tension as you can. Rotate your head in a smooth, circular way once or twice and roll your shoulders forwards and backwards several times. Let all your muscles relax completely. Recall a pleasant thought for a few seconds. Take another deep breath and breathe out slowly to finish off.
6. Practise yoga
Attending a yoga class at your local gym, or doing yoga at home, could help your headaches. Yoga combines stretching, breathing and meditation exercises and will help you feel more relaxed. See Useful links for advice on finding a local class.
Other exercise techniques such as t'ai chi and meditation are good alternatives to yoga.
7. Exercise regularly
Headache researchers have found evidence that, in some people, moderate exercise can reduce the number and severity of headaches, and that regular exercise can even prevent some people from getting headaches.
This is probably because exercise releases endorphins, which are natural substances that help you feel better.
Choose an exercise that you enjoy (jogging, swimming, dancing, cycling, aerobics classes and brisk walking are ideal), and try to exercise for at least 30 minutes three times a week.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Exercise in pregnancy
Finding out that you're pregnant doesn't mean you have to give up the things you enjoy. If you’re lucky, you’ll feel at your healthiest. If not, exercise may help by boosting your energy levels and your immune system.
Exercise builds muscle tone, strength and stamina, which can help your body cope with pregnancy weight gain (12.7kg, or two stones, on average). Keeping active can make it easier to regain pre-pregnancy fitness levels after the birth. It can help to reduce constipation and tiredness, as well as circulation problems.
Get moving every day
Try to keep active every day. Keep up your normal daily physical activity or exercise (sport, dancing or just walking to the shops and back) for as long as you feel comfortable. Fitting in half an hour of activities, such as walking, can help to keep you active. If you can't manage that, any amount is better than nothing.
Don't exhaust yourself. You may need to slow down as your pregnancy progresses, or if your doctor advises you to. If you go to an exercise class, make sure that the teacher is properly qualified and that they know you're pregnant and how far your pregnancy has progressed.
General dos and don’ts
•Do remember that exercise doesn't have to be strenuous to be beneficial.
•Do remember that the appropriate level of exercise will depend on how fit you were before becoming pregnant.
•Do wear loose, comfortable clothes. Drink plenty of fluids, and don't allow yourself to get overheated, as this can be harmful to the baby.
•Do take a gentle approach to exercises that put strain on joints and ligaments. During pregnancy, women are more vulnerable to joint and ligament injury because the body produces relaxin, a hormone that loosens joints and ligaments in preparation for childbirth.
•Do listen to your body. Dizziness and fatigue is common in the first 12 weeks or so. Some women lose their balance later on as the baby grows and their centre of gravity shifts. Consult your healthcare provider if you have vaginal bleeding, shortness of breath, palpitations (faster heartbeat) or pain in the back or pelvis.
•Do avoid contact sports and any activity with a potential for falling or being hit, such as horse riding, judo or skiing.
•Don’t exercise in order to lose weight during pregnancy because this may harm your baby.
•Don't do any strenuous exercise in hot weather.
•Don’t exercise flat on your back, particularly after 16 weeks, because your bump presses on the big blood vessels, and it can make you feel faint.
•Don't use saunas or steam rooms. They can make you too hot, which can be harmful to the baby.
If you can’t talk easily while exercising, you’re overdoing it, so slow down.
Yoga Benefits:
Yoga is great for working your muscles without too much impact on your joints. Most of the breathing techniques used in yoga are a good preparation for childbirth, helping you to remain calm and breathe steadily through contractions.
Yoga also improves posture, which helps with back pain and can increase flexibility. This will make birthing positions, such as squatting, easier.
Considerations
Some positions and breathing exercises won't be appropriate in pregnancy. Choose a qualified yoga teacher, and always tell your teacher you're pregnant. Ideally, find a specialist pregnancy yoga class.
Stages of pregnancy
Don't try new and advanced poses. Focus instead on improving your technique. As you move into the middle months and your baby grows, your centre of gravity shifts, and you're more likely to lose your balance, so sink slowly into yoga positions.
For standing postures, use support, such as a wall or chair, if you need to.
Running Benefits
For an experienced runner, running during pregnancy has many benefits. It's an unbeatable cardiovascular workout, which can be as long or short as you can manage. But if you're not used to running, don't start when you're pregnant. Walking is safer.
Considerations
Running can be tough on your joints, and with the hormone relaxin loosening your joints, there's a greater chance of injury. Wear supportive shoes.
Stages of pregnancy
Drink lots of water and don’t run in the heat, especially in the first 12 weeks, because overheating could potentially harm your baby. As your balance is affected by your changing centre of gravity, run on even ground.
In weeks 13 to 28, you may feel at your most energetic, but run less intensely and take more care as your pregnancy progresses. Consider swimming or walking instead in the last three months.
Walking
Walking is a safer option if you're not used to running. A brisk mile-long walk three times a week can help keep you fit, and the fresh air might help to combat morning sickness. Take the same precautions as running:
•Wear supportive shoes.
•Stay on level ground.
•Don't walk during the hottest part of the day.
•Carry water with you and drink it regularly.
The gym: aerobics and weights
Benefits Aerobics is great for the heart and lungs, and it improves muscle tone. As long as you stick to low-impact routines, you can usually continue for as long as you feel able. If you were inactive before you were pregnant, don't suddenly take up strenuous exercise.
If you start an aerobic exercise programme, begin by doing no more than 15 minutes continuous exercise three times a week. Increase this gradually to a maximum of a 30-minute session, four times a week.
Always tell your instructor that you're pregnant or, even better, find a class for pregnant women.
Weight training improves muscle tone and builds stamina, which will benefit you during labour. In pregnancy, certain positions aren't recommended, so it's best to discuss your routine with an expert first.
Considerations
The main risk with aerobics and weights is putting too much strain on the joints, as they loosen during pregnancy. With care, this can be avoided. Also be careful that you don't get too hot. If you feel hot, stop and rest.
Stages of pregnancy
Avoid lifting weights while lying on your back after the first 12 weeks of your pregnancy.
From week 13 or so, sit down to lift weights because long periods of standing in one position can lead to a drop in blood pressure and cause dizziness. Overheating can be a problem with aerobics so wear cool clothing and drink plenty of water. If you use a step in your routine, lower it or don't use it at all.
Avoid jumps (always keep one foot on the floor) and sudden changes in direction.
Swimming Benefits
Swimming has several benefits, including improved circulation, better muscle tone and increased endurance. Ideally, aim for 30 minutes, three to four times a week.
It's important to find a stroke that's comfortable for you, and to avoid busy periods at the pool. Many pools run a range of antenatal swimming classes.
Stages of pregnancy
As you move into your final three months, the feeling of weightlessness in the water will be very comfortable, and you can continue swimming throughout your pregnancy.
Other exercises have an increased risk of injury due to the loosening of ligaments and joints in pregnancy. Swimming doesn't, because your body is supported by the water.
Exercise builds muscle tone, strength and stamina, which can help your body cope with pregnancy weight gain (12.7kg, or two stones, on average). Keeping active can make it easier to regain pre-pregnancy fitness levels after the birth. It can help to reduce constipation and tiredness, as well as circulation problems.
Get moving every day
Try to keep active every day. Keep up your normal daily physical activity or exercise (sport, dancing or just walking to the shops and back) for as long as you feel comfortable. Fitting in half an hour of activities, such as walking, can help to keep you active. If you can't manage that, any amount is better than nothing.
Don't exhaust yourself. You may need to slow down as your pregnancy progresses, or if your doctor advises you to. If you go to an exercise class, make sure that the teacher is properly qualified and that they know you're pregnant and how far your pregnancy has progressed.
General dos and don’ts
•Do remember that exercise doesn't have to be strenuous to be beneficial.
•Do remember that the appropriate level of exercise will depend on how fit you were before becoming pregnant.
•Do wear loose, comfortable clothes. Drink plenty of fluids, and don't allow yourself to get overheated, as this can be harmful to the baby.
•Do take a gentle approach to exercises that put strain on joints and ligaments. During pregnancy, women are more vulnerable to joint and ligament injury because the body produces relaxin, a hormone that loosens joints and ligaments in preparation for childbirth.
•Do listen to your body. Dizziness and fatigue is common in the first 12 weeks or so. Some women lose their balance later on as the baby grows and their centre of gravity shifts. Consult your healthcare provider if you have vaginal bleeding, shortness of breath, palpitations (faster heartbeat) or pain in the back or pelvis.
•Do avoid contact sports and any activity with a potential for falling or being hit, such as horse riding, judo or skiing.
•Don’t exercise in order to lose weight during pregnancy because this may harm your baby.
•Don't do any strenuous exercise in hot weather.
•Don’t exercise flat on your back, particularly after 16 weeks, because your bump presses on the big blood vessels, and it can make you feel faint.
•Don't use saunas or steam rooms. They can make you too hot, which can be harmful to the baby.
If you can’t talk easily while exercising, you’re overdoing it, so slow down.
Yoga Benefits:
Yoga is great for working your muscles without too much impact on your joints. Most of the breathing techniques used in yoga are a good preparation for childbirth, helping you to remain calm and breathe steadily through contractions.
Yoga also improves posture, which helps with back pain and can increase flexibility. This will make birthing positions, such as squatting, easier.
Considerations
Some positions and breathing exercises won't be appropriate in pregnancy. Choose a qualified yoga teacher, and always tell your teacher you're pregnant. Ideally, find a specialist pregnancy yoga class.
Stages of pregnancy
Don't try new and advanced poses. Focus instead on improving your technique. As you move into the middle months and your baby grows, your centre of gravity shifts, and you're more likely to lose your balance, so sink slowly into yoga positions.
For standing postures, use support, such as a wall or chair, if you need to.
Running Benefits
For an experienced runner, running during pregnancy has many benefits. It's an unbeatable cardiovascular workout, which can be as long or short as you can manage. But if you're not used to running, don't start when you're pregnant. Walking is safer.
Considerations
Running can be tough on your joints, and with the hormone relaxin loosening your joints, there's a greater chance of injury. Wear supportive shoes.
Stages of pregnancy
Drink lots of water and don’t run in the heat, especially in the first 12 weeks, because overheating could potentially harm your baby. As your balance is affected by your changing centre of gravity, run on even ground.
In weeks 13 to 28, you may feel at your most energetic, but run less intensely and take more care as your pregnancy progresses. Consider swimming or walking instead in the last three months.
Walking
Walking is a safer option if you're not used to running. A brisk mile-long walk three times a week can help keep you fit, and the fresh air might help to combat morning sickness. Take the same precautions as running:
•Wear supportive shoes.
•Stay on level ground.
•Don't walk during the hottest part of the day.
•Carry water with you and drink it regularly.
The gym: aerobics and weights
Benefits Aerobics is great for the heart and lungs, and it improves muscle tone. As long as you stick to low-impact routines, you can usually continue for as long as you feel able. If you were inactive before you were pregnant, don't suddenly take up strenuous exercise.
If you start an aerobic exercise programme, begin by doing no more than 15 minutes continuous exercise three times a week. Increase this gradually to a maximum of a 30-minute session, four times a week.
Always tell your instructor that you're pregnant or, even better, find a class for pregnant women.
Weight training improves muscle tone and builds stamina, which will benefit you during labour. In pregnancy, certain positions aren't recommended, so it's best to discuss your routine with an expert first.
Considerations
The main risk with aerobics and weights is putting too much strain on the joints, as they loosen during pregnancy. With care, this can be avoided. Also be careful that you don't get too hot. If you feel hot, stop and rest.
Stages of pregnancy
Avoid lifting weights while lying on your back after the first 12 weeks of your pregnancy.
From week 13 or so, sit down to lift weights because long periods of standing in one position can lead to a drop in blood pressure and cause dizziness. Overheating can be a problem with aerobics so wear cool clothing and drink plenty of water. If you use a step in your routine, lower it or don't use it at all.
Avoid jumps (always keep one foot on the floor) and sudden changes in direction.
Swimming Benefits
Swimming has several benefits, including improved circulation, better muscle tone and increased endurance. Ideally, aim for 30 minutes, three to four times a week.
It's important to find a stroke that's comfortable for you, and to avoid busy periods at the pool. Many pools run a range of antenatal swimming classes.
Stages of pregnancy
As you move into your final three months, the feeling of weightlessness in the water will be very comfortable, and you can continue swimming throughout your pregnancy.
Other exercises have an increased risk of injury due to the loosening of ligaments and joints in pregnancy. Swimming doesn't, because your body is supported by the water.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Spread the message of swine flu to everyone
A June 10, 2009 update by the U.N.'s World Health Organization (WHO) states that 74 countries have officially reported 27,737 cases of influenza A (H1N1) infection, including 141 deaths. In India till date 20 cases are being confirmed in city like Hyderabad, Bangalore, New Delhi, and Jallandhar in Punjab. Government of India is now thinking about suspension of air flight to U.S.A as most of confirmed cases in India have been detected from the persons who had recently traveled to U.S cities and had returned from there.
The 2009 swine flu outbreak is a pandemic of a new strain of influenza A virus subtype H1N1 identified in April 2009. It is thought to be a mutation—more specifically, a reassortment—of four known strains of influenza A virus subtype H1N1. One endemic in humans, one endemic in birds, and two endemic in pigs (swine).
Annual influenza epidemics are estimated to affect 5–15% of the global population, resulting in severe illness in 3–5 million patients and causing 250,000–500,000 deaths worldwide. In industrialized countries severe illness and deaths occur mainly in the high-risk populations of infants, the elderly and chronically ill patients.
In addition to these annual epidemics, Influenza A virus strains caused three major global pandemics during the 20th century: the Spanish flu in 1918, Asian flu in 1957 and Hong Kong flu in 1968–69. These pandemics were caused by strains of Influenza A virus that had undergone major genetic changes and for which the population did not possess significant immunity.
The influenza virus has also caused several pandemic threats over the past century, including the pseudo-pandemic of 1947, the 1976 swine flu outbreak and the 1977 Russian flu, all caused by the H1N1 subtype. The world has been at an increased level of alert since the SARS epidemic in Southeast Asia (caused by the SARS corona virus). The level of preparedness was further increased and sustained with the advent of the H5N1 bird flu outbreaks because of H5N1's high fatality rate, although the strains currently prevalent have limited human-to-human transmission capability, or epidemicity.
The outbreak began in Mexico, where official reports by Mexican authorities indicate that as of June 9, 2009 there were 108 confirmed deaths due to the virus. The actual origin of the flu is still a mystery, and includes the possibility that it may have started in Eurasia but taken root in Mexico. On June 11 after an emergency meeting the WHO raised the alert level to phase 6 indicating that a flu pandemic is under way. The WHO noted that this alertness level indicates the global spread of the virus, not its severity. Most cases throughout the world have so far been mild relative to seasonal flu. However, because it is recent, most people do not have immunity to the virus, and illness may eventually become more severe and widespread in different demographic and population groups. This new H1N1 flu mainly spreads in humans in the same way that regular seasonal influenza spreads, which is through the air from coughs and sneezes or touching those infected. It cannot be transmitted from eating properly cooked pork.
As of May 24, 2009, nearly 90% of reported deaths had taken place in Mexico. This has led to speculation that Mexico may have been in the midst of an unrecognized epidemic for months prior to the current outbreak, thereby showing a fatality rate that was much higher than it would have been if earlier cases had been counted. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the fact that the flu's infection activity is now monitored more closely may also help explain why more flu cases than normal are being recorded in many countries.
There is no vaccine available to prevent infection as of June 2009 although companies are developing one and estimates of availability range from three to six months. There is also concern that the virus could mutate over the coming months to a more dangerous flu outbreak later in the year, and a vaccine produced now might be less effective in preventing its spread. Health officials in the U.S. have pointed out that the terrible experience" of the 1918 flu pandemic, which killed approximately 600,000 in the United States alone, was preceded by a mild herald wave of cases in the spring.
Proper Handling of Pig meat a Priority .Influenza viruses do not affect the safety of pork, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). As with any raw meat, pork should always be properly handled and cooked to eliminate a range of food safety concerns.
By touching something contaminated with flu viruses and then touching one's mouth or nose, and through coughing or sneezing. One of the most effective prevention measures is regular hand washing. People cannot catch swine flu from eating pork or pork products. Cooking pork to an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius) kills the swine flu virus along with other bacteria and viruses. Vaccines are available to be given to pigs to prevent swine influenza. There is no vaccine to protect humans from swine flu, although the CDC is formulating one. The seasonal influenza vaccine may help to provide partial protection against swine H3N2, but not against swine H1N1 viruses like the one circulating now. In 1976 a new strain of swine flu started infecting people and worried U.S. health officials started widespread vaccination. More than 40 million people were vaccinated. But several cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome, a severe and sometime fatal condition that can be linked to come vaccines, caused the U.S. government to stop the program. The incident led to widespread distrust of vaccines in general.
There is also no risk of infection from this virus from consumption of well-cooked pork and pork products. Individuals are advised to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water on a regular basis and should seek medical attention if they develop any symptoms of influenza-like illness.
There are four influenza antiviral drugs approved for use in the United States (oseltamivir, zanamivir, Amantidine and rimantadine). The swine influenza A (H1N1) viruses that have been detected in humans in the United States and Mexico are resistant to Amantidine and rimantadine so these drugs will not work against these swine influenza viruses. Laboratory testing on these swine influenza A (H1N1) viruses so far indicate that they are susceptible (sensitive) to oseltamivir and zanamivir . If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious influenza complications. Influenza antiviral drugs work best when started soon after illness onset (within two 2 days), but treatment with antiviral drugs should still be considered after 48 hours of symptom onset, particularly for hospitalized patients or people at high risk for influenza-related complications. CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with swine influenza viruses. Oseltamivir (brand name Tamiflu is approved to both treat and prevent influenza A and B virus infection in people one year of age and older Zanamivir (brand name Relenza is approved to treat influenza A and B virus infection in people 7 years and older and to prevent influenza A and B virus infection in people 5years and older.
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. Washing hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. We can also use alcohol-based hand cleaners. Avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way. Try to avoid close contact with sick people. Stay home from work or school if you are sick.
Although in last fortnight there has been reports from many part of our country about flu like illness but still non of these illness neither suspected for this dreaded illness till date for us it seems to be some relief. But as the disease has been detected in Delhi and city of Punjab our own public health authorities need to be alerted at air and land embarkment site.
The 2009 swine flu outbreak is a pandemic of a new strain of influenza A virus subtype H1N1 identified in April 2009. It is thought to be a mutation—more specifically, a reassortment—of four known strains of influenza A virus subtype H1N1. One endemic in humans, one endemic in birds, and two endemic in pigs (swine).
Annual influenza epidemics are estimated to affect 5–15% of the global population, resulting in severe illness in 3–5 million patients and causing 250,000–500,000 deaths worldwide. In industrialized countries severe illness and deaths occur mainly in the high-risk populations of infants, the elderly and chronically ill patients.
In addition to these annual epidemics, Influenza A virus strains caused three major global pandemics during the 20th century: the Spanish flu in 1918, Asian flu in 1957 and Hong Kong flu in 1968–69. These pandemics were caused by strains of Influenza A virus that had undergone major genetic changes and for which the population did not possess significant immunity.
The influenza virus has also caused several pandemic threats over the past century, including the pseudo-pandemic of 1947, the 1976 swine flu outbreak and the 1977 Russian flu, all caused by the H1N1 subtype. The world has been at an increased level of alert since the SARS epidemic in Southeast Asia (caused by the SARS corona virus). The level of preparedness was further increased and sustained with the advent of the H5N1 bird flu outbreaks because of H5N1's high fatality rate, although the strains currently prevalent have limited human-to-human transmission capability, or epidemicity.
The outbreak began in Mexico, where official reports by Mexican authorities indicate that as of June 9, 2009 there were 108 confirmed deaths due to the virus. The actual origin of the flu is still a mystery, and includes the possibility that it may have started in Eurasia but taken root in Mexico. On June 11 after an emergency meeting the WHO raised the alert level to phase 6 indicating that a flu pandemic is under way. The WHO noted that this alertness level indicates the global spread of the virus, not its severity. Most cases throughout the world have so far been mild relative to seasonal flu. However, because it is recent, most people do not have immunity to the virus, and illness may eventually become more severe and widespread in different demographic and population groups. This new H1N1 flu mainly spreads in humans in the same way that regular seasonal influenza spreads, which is through the air from coughs and sneezes or touching those infected. It cannot be transmitted from eating properly cooked pork.
As of May 24, 2009, nearly 90% of reported deaths had taken place in Mexico. This has led to speculation that Mexico may have been in the midst of an unrecognized epidemic for months prior to the current outbreak, thereby showing a fatality rate that was much higher than it would have been if earlier cases had been counted. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the fact that the flu's infection activity is now monitored more closely may also help explain why more flu cases than normal are being recorded in many countries.
There is no vaccine available to prevent infection as of June 2009 although companies are developing one and estimates of availability range from three to six months. There is also concern that the virus could mutate over the coming months to a more dangerous flu outbreak later in the year, and a vaccine produced now might be less effective in preventing its spread. Health officials in the U.S. have pointed out that the terrible experience" of the 1918 flu pandemic, which killed approximately 600,000 in the United States alone, was preceded by a mild herald wave of cases in the spring.
Proper Handling of Pig meat a Priority .Influenza viruses do not affect the safety of pork, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). As with any raw meat, pork should always be properly handled and cooked to eliminate a range of food safety concerns.
By touching something contaminated with flu viruses and then touching one's mouth or nose, and through coughing or sneezing. One of the most effective prevention measures is regular hand washing. People cannot catch swine flu from eating pork or pork products. Cooking pork to an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius) kills the swine flu virus along with other bacteria and viruses. Vaccines are available to be given to pigs to prevent swine influenza. There is no vaccine to protect humans from swine flu, although the CDC is formulating one. The seasonal influenza vaccine may help to provide partial protection against swine H3N2, but not against swine H1N1 viruses like the one circulating now. In 1976 a new strain of swine flu started infecting people and worried U.S. health officials started widespread vaccination. More than 40 million people were vaccinated. But several cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome, a severe and sometime fatal condition that can be linked to come vaccines, caused the U.S. government to stop the program. The incident led to widespread distrust of vaccines in general.
There is also no risk of infection from this virus from consumption of well-cooked pork and pork products. Individuals are advised to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water on a regular basis and should seek medical attention if they develop any symptoms of influenza-like illness.
There are four influenza antiviral drugs approved for use in the United States (oseltamivir, zanamivir, Amantidine and rimantadine). The swine influenza A (H1N1) viruses that have been detected in humans in the United States and Mexico are resistant to Amantidine and rimantadine so these drugs will not work against these swine influenza viruses. Laboratory testing on these swine influenza A (H1N1) viruses so far indicate that they are susceptible (sensitive) to oseltamivir and zanamivir . If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious influenza complications. Influenza antiviral drugs work best when started soon after illness onset (within two 2 days), but treatment with antiviral drugs should still be considered after 48 hours of symptom onset, particularly for hospitalized patients or people at high risk for influenza-related complications. CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with swine influenza viruses. Oseltamivir (brand name Tamiflu is approved to both treat and prevent influenza A and B virus infection in people one year of age and older Zanamivir (brand name Relenza is approved to treat influenza A and B virus infection in people 7 years and older and to prevent influenza A and B virus infection in people 5years and older.
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. Washing hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. We can also use alcohol-based hand cleaners. Avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way. Try to avoid close contact with sick people. Stay home from work or school if you are sick.
Although in last fortnight there has been reports from many part of our country about flu like illness but still non of these illness neither suspected for this dreaded illness till date for us it seems to be some relief. But as the disease has been detected in Delhi and city of Punjab our own public health authorities need to be alerted at air and land embarkment site.
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