LIFE: FLU

The media is busy cashing in on the panic driven by the Swine Flu, so much so that the masks have become fashion accessories. The entire focus has been distorted just by picking at the government for their lack of measures or counting the number of deaths due to the pandemic. The other two strains of Flu viz; Dengue and Chickungunya are also prevalent and can be life threatening if neglected.

Dengue: Recent cases of dengue have shown that the virus starts to destroy blood platelets. For a normal person the blood platelet count is in a few lakhs. In the infected person, this count is observed to fall to an alarming low level. Result the person is losing conscious progressively. The counter measure is to infuse blood platelets from donors. Sounds easy but again not all donors are qualified. The donor platelet count should be above two lakhs. Once the donor platelets are extracted, there is a four hour window within which the platelet transfer has to take place. Depending on the patient, the body should start regenerating platelets after two or three infusions. If this process is successful, body responds to medication and the infection starts to subside.

Chickungunya: In this case, one starts with very high temperature and shivering and inflammation of the body. Though the infection is contained by medication, the inflammation lasts for anything between three to six months depending on the amount of rest taken. If the patient has a history of joint pains then, they find it to be aggravated during this phase.

Precautions: In case you detect signs of flu do not self-medicate. Visit your doctor and take prescribed medication and also do all tests if suggested, to be self assured.
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PS:These comments are from my observations of recent cases and interactions with doctors thereafter. If you are in doubt, please validate this with your Doctor. This post should be treated as pure information for precaution.

LIFE: SWINE FLU

Stay calm and practice these 10 effective prevention tips
Wash your hands frequently
Use the antibacterial soaps to cleanse your hands. Wash them often, at least 15 seconds and rinse with running water.
Get enough sleep
Try to get 8 hours of good sleep every night to keep your immune system in top flu-fighting shape
Keep hydrated
Drink 8 to10 glasses of water each day to flush toxins from your system and maintain good moisture and mucous production in your sinuses.
Boost your immune system
Keeping your body strong, nourished, and ready to fight infection is important in flu prevention. So stick with whole grains, colourful vegetables, and vitamin-rich fruits.
Keep informed
The government is taking necessary steps to prevent the pandemic and periodically release guidelines to keep the pandemic away. Please make sure to keep up to date on the information and act in a calm manner.
Avoid alcohol
Apart from being a mood depressant, alcohol is an immune suppressant that can actually decrease your resistance to viral infections like swine flu. So stay away from alcoholic drinks so that your immune system may be strong.
Be physically active
Moderate exercise can support the immune system by increasing circulation and oxygenating the body. For example brisk walking for 30-40 minutes 3-4 times a week will significantly perk up your immunity.
Know when to get help
Consult your doctor if you have a cough and fever and follow their instructions, including taking medicine as prescribed.
Avoid crowded areas
Try to avoid unnecessary trips outside. Moreover, avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
Keep away from sick people
Flu virus spreads when particles dispersed into the air through a cough or sneeze reach someone else. So if you have to be around someone who is sick, try to stay a few feet away from them and avoid physical contact.