Following reports of a child contracting H1N1 virus, the Health Department has issued an alert in Ernakulam district.
In an official statement, District Medical Officer N.K. Kuttappan said the illness had been confirmed in a five-year-old and urged the public to take preventive measures.
Those suffering from cold, fever, cough, and headache should remain careful if the infection lasts for more than two days, and immediate medical care should be sought.
Warning that any delay in getting timely medical treatment will worsen the condition, he said that the virus spreads by air when the infected person sneezes or coughs. The virus can be fatal for pregnant women and those with diabetes, cardiac or kidney ailments, while for the rest, proper rest and diet is advised.
People are advised to cover mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing, besides keeping hands clean through improved hand hygiene.
Those with suspected symptoms should avoid visiting crowded places. Medicines for H1N1 virus are available at all government hospitals free of cost.
