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Editorial
– Swine-flu: Reality check
Dr. Sushama, BHMS
On 30/04/09 WHO raised the
pandemic threat to level 5 in the ongoing pandemic of
swine-flu(H1N1)09. Level 5 or Phase 5 is characterized
by human-to-human spread of the virus into at least two
countries in one WHO region. As of 31 of July 2009, 168
countries and overseas territories/communities have
reported at least one laboratory confirmed case of
pandemic (H1N1) 09. All continents are affected by the
pandemic. Though all continents have been affected but
what is encouraging is that it is curable condition. As
of today, 168 countries and overseas
territories/communities have reported at least one
laboratory confirmed case of pandemic (H1N1) 09. All
continents are affected by the pandemic.
Globally 162380 confirmed
cases of H1N1 Influenza and 1154 related deaths have
been reported so far. There must be many times more
unconfirmed cases. According to WHO estimates seasonal
flu kills between 250,000 and 500,000 people globally in
an average year. This indicates that the mortality rate
of the H1N1 influenza is not significantly different
from the normal seasonal flu but the lack of awareness
of this fact is making people panic the world-over.
India has so far has
reported 1,079 swine flu cases and 12 deaths. While 589
have been discharged, the others are still undergoing
treatment in various government hospitals in the
country. ”The swine flu virus is a mild strain and, in
fact, is less virulent than the seasonal flu, which
causes more deaths... We have treatment for it........It
is a curable disease, not an incurable one” said Health
Secretary Naresh Dayal. According to Randeep Guleria,
head of medicine at the All India Institute of Medical
Sciences in New Delhi, worldwide about 95 percent of
those hospitalized have been discharged. In spite of
this there is panic in general public. Everyone seems to
go into a panic mode wanting a preventive vaccine or
homoeopathic medicine. Simple steps can go a long way in
preventing swine-flu may be better than vaccines. This
month’s e-journal is deals with swine-flu. Please note
the articles in this issue are compiled from different
sources for the benefit of public in general. No
copyright is claimed for these articles. These articles
can be shared or quoted for public interest. |
