Much as the health authorities would have wished otherwise, A(H1N1) is indeed here again. And, gearing up to meet this challenge, authorities have this catchline for the public, “It is the time for caution, not panic.”
The same precautions that were advised last time have to be followed again. As the WHO has advised, “the main route of transmission of the pandemic influenza virus seems to be similar to seasonal influenza, via droplets that are expelled by speaking, sneezing or coughing.”
Therefore one can prevent getting infected by taking the following measures: avoiding crowds, keeping your distance from people who show symptoms of influenza-like illness, such as coughing and sneezing; cleaning hands with soap and water regularly; avoiding touching the mouth, nose and eyes; and practising good health habits (including adequate sleep, eating nutritious food, and keeping physically active.
What is new this time around is the vaccine. With potent vaccines emerging in the market, including indigenous vaccines manufactured within the country, there is a great potential to control the infection.
“The only way I see to beat the A(H1N1) virus is to vaccinate. Vaccinate on a mass basis and produce herd immunity,” says P. Gunasekaran,
Deputy Director, King Institute of Preventive Medicine, Guindy. King Institute is the key testing agency in the State, and it also parallely sends samples to the National Institute of Virology for confirmation.
The vaccine, which provides immunity against A(H1N1) for a year, has been provided to a large segment of the population in the United States.
“However, we still lack awareness of this aspect, even members of the medical community,” he adds.
Currently the vaccine is available as an inhalant (intra nasal) and as an injection (intra muscular) and both forms have been found to be effective in global studies, he explained. The regular mild reactions that go with any vaccination process could be expected.
At a recent meeting of private practitioners, the King Institute appointed an expert committee to go into setting up guidelines for vaccine administration.
Meanwhile, the government is taking measures to control the spread of the virus where it has already occurred. “Most of the cases are directly related to recent travel to states where the A(H1N1) has resurfaced, affecting large numbers of people - including Gujarat and Kerala,” R.T.Porkaipandian, Director of Public health says. A total of 31 cases of A(H1N1) have been recorded since January this year. Health Minister MRK Panneerselvam outlines the State's strategy: “The moment someone tests positive for A(H1N1) our health team descends on the area, isolates the individual and runs tests among those the patient has had contact with. We scan his family and friends, colleagues at work, neighbours and the entire street.”
In addition, preventive doses of the vaccine have been administered to over 20,000 medical and paramedical staff who come into contact with patients. While it would have to be proved scientifically, he adds that doctors are reporting ‘less virulent' cases this year, easily treated with Tamiflu and fewer deaths.
Principal Secretary, Health, V.K.Subburaj says the vaccines are slowly being released into the market. They will be widely available in about 10 days time priced between Rs.300 - Rs.400. He stresses the role of the private practitioner who probably sees the patient first with the symptoms.
If the symptoms persist after the regular treatment process, then the doctor must suspect and test for A(H1N1), he adds.
