Panaji: August 30, 2019 …. Directorate of Health Services advised general public to take following precautions of Do’s and Don’t’s to prevent contracting or spreading Influenza in the community.
Do’s include Cover your mouth and nose with handkerchief or tissue while coughing or sneezing, wash your hands frequently with soap and water before and after touching your nose, eyes or mouth, affected person should preferably avoid visiting crowded places, stay more than an arm’s length (2 meters) from persons affected with flu like symptoms, get plenty of sleep (at least 8 hours), minimize stress, stay physically active by regular exercise and drink plenty of water (at least 2-3 liters for adults) & eat nutritious food (include vegetables & fruits in your diet).
Similarly Dont’s are as follows do not spit in public and do not take medicine without consulting your doctor.
Clinical Symptoms are Fever, cough, sore throat, bodyache, headache, vomiting and diarrhoea. high risk groups includes Children younger than 5 years old. Adults 65 years of age and older. Respiratory conditions (including asthma), Heart diseases (except hypertension), Kidney and liver diseases, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus. Pregnant women and health care staff.
All the cases with above mentioned symptoms should immediately report to the nearest health centre or physician. Treatment for Influenza is available at all centres under Directorate of Health Services and Goa Medical College, Bambolim. Testing for Influenza A(H1N1) is done only for suspected admitted cases and facility for collecting samples is available at both Sub District Hospitals, District Hospitals and at Goa Medical College, Bambolim.
