With awareness being raised about swine flu (H1N1) among residents, civil surgeon Dr Ramandeep Kaur on Thursday urged people not to panic but remain alert, follow precautionary measures and seek medical advice promptly if symptoms appear.
These may include fever, runny nose, cough, sore throat and body aches, while some people may also experience difficulty in breathing. She advised residents not to ignore such symptoms and contact their nearest health centre or doctor for medical advice. Where soap and water are not available, an alcohol-based hand sanitiser can be used. Dr Ramandeep Kaur particularly cautioned residents against self-medication and taking medicines without consulting a doctor. The team also inspected the district malaria laboratory and Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) laboratory at the civil hospital to review dengue surveillance, testing and prevention measures. Dr Ramandeep Kaur urged residents to prevent water stagnation and regularly clean coolers, flower pots, refrigerator trays, old tyres and other containers where water can collect. She stressed that public cooperation was crucial to prevent mosquito breeding and control dengue.
She advised people to wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. A team of the state health department reviewing dengue prevention and surveillance activities in Ludhiana on Thursday found dengue larvae in two containers during a field survey in Rajesh Nagar, Ward 92, and Ayali Khurd.
She said swine flu is a viral illness and its symptoms can resemble those of the common cold. Dr Ramandeep Kaur said maintaining personal hygiene and cleanliness was important in preventing the spread of the infection. She said seeking timely medical advice was important when symptoms appeared. Necessary action was taken, said civil surgeon Dr Ramandeep Kaur.
