Dr Deepak Purohit wrote to Presidents about Swine Flu (Wearing masks is not MUST )‏

Dear All,

PLEASE GO THROUGH THIS

My dear President,

I agree with you that swine flu awareness is needed, but there is no need
to be panicky and join the publicity propaganda carried out by media and
others which acts as a vehicle to spread misconception than to spread
scientific information.

These are few facts about swine flu when discussed with the leading
epidemiologists.

1) Swine flu, that is H1N1 flu is not new, first detected in 1987

2) Infective stage of flue is 5 days, 1 day before and 4 days after onset
of symptoms

3) The best way to prevent it spreading is asking patient having symptoms
of flu like fever cough and running nose to take rest at home for 4 days so
he does not transmit it

4) Masks are of limited value if any, in this disease, it can spread
through droplets on your skin, through contact etc, and I have seen that
the masks in Pune are worn as fashion statement, while walking on road
today morning I saw people wearing masks coming out for a morning walk with
their dogs!, many wearing masks around their necks, and so on, infect these
masks shall act as the vehicles to carry the virus, instead, avoiding
crowded places or cinema halls or malls where air conditioners are on, is
advisable, because you get recalculated air, where the virus density
multiplies

5)Death after H1N1 flu is not common, infect infections like measles is
taking toll of thousands more every year, and we are oblivious of the
facts. Swine flu is being blown out of proportion by media trying to create
hysteria among lay people.

6) Fever accompanied by respiratory distress, should be immediately
notified which is likely to be a complication of H1N1 flu

7)The mortality is less than .01 percent of those affected, that means may
be one in 10,000 affected is likely to suffer the life loss.

8) If you remember, 2 years ago SARS was blown out of proportion, what
happened? Humans develop immunity to the virus, the same is going to
happen, we develop immunity in due course of time, the virus is in the air,
you can not stop it, our body is already developing the immunity so nothing
to panic.
We need to take care of children and elderly who have less immunity and do
not let them go to crowded places that are all.

WE MUST START THIS CAMPAIGN OF NOT TO BE AFRAID OF THIS FLU AND LET YOUR
DAILY WORK CONTINUE AS NORMAL, NO MASKS FOR ORDINARY CITIZENS, HEALTH CARE
WORKERS OR SPECIFIC EXPOSED TO LOT OF CROWDED ENVIRONMENTS MAY BE
BENEFITED, NOT PROVEN.

I am amazed to hear that people are selling masks of RS 20 each which are
available to less than Rupee 1 in the market.
See who is getting benefited?

Please spread the scientific info, do not join the band wagon and stick to
science, that should be the order of the day.


Deepak Purohit
District governor

Tips to keep away Swine Flu‏

The deadly Swine Flu has reached the Indian shores following the global outbreak and now, claimed one life. However, Swine Flu is certainly one of those diseased where an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Here are ten tips for you to keep away from the pandemic.

1. Wash your hands frequently

Use the antibacterial soaps to cleanse your hands. Wash them often, at least 15 seconds and rinse with running water.

2. Get enough sleep

Try to get 8 hours of good sleep every night to keep your immune system in top flu-fighting shape.

3. Drink sufficient water

Drink 8 to10 glasses of water each day to flush toxins from your system and maintain good moisture and mucous production in your sinuses.

4. Boost your immune system

Keeping your body strong, nourished, and ready to fight infection is important in flu prevention. So stick with whole grains, colorful vegetables, and vitamin-rich fruits.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. Keep away from sick people

Flu virus spreads when particles dispersed into the air through a cough or sneeze reach someone else's nose. So if you have to be around someone who is sick, try to stay a few feet away from them and especially, avoid physical contact.

9. Know when to get help

Consult your doctor if you have a cough and fever and follow their instructions, including taking medicine as prescribed.

10. Avoid crowded areas

Try to avoid unnecessary trips outside.