Kozhikode: The health department has started taking precautionary measures in the wake of several cases of H1N1 being reported from different parts of the district.
The department has prescribed the treatment protocol and started distributing pamphlets and conducting talks about it.
District medical officer Dr V. Jayasree said, "the doctors of government hospitals and primary health centres have been oriented about the diagnosis of H1N1 infection, preventive measures and referrals. Treatment protocols have been explained to the doctors, that is, the diagnosis of patients and treatment, including the dosage of various medicines."
She advised the public to adopt practices such as frequent washing of hands using soap and water, especially after returning from outside. The nose and mouth should be covered with towel or handkerchief while coughing or sneezing. "H1N1 has flu-like symptoms like fever, cough, flushing of face and running nose. If fever does not subside for over two days, medical help should be sought at PHCs, GHs or medical college hospitals, she said. Any delay in getting timely medical treatment will worsen the condition, she said and added that the virus spreads by air when the infected person sneezes or coughs. It can be fatal for pregnant women and those with diabetes, cardiac or kidney ailments. For others, proper rest and diet have been advised.
