What is Swine FluSwine Flu Impact and Current StatusHow serious a threat is itWhat should we do about it

Influenza or Flu is an infectious disease caused by certain type of virus.

The most common symptoms of disease are chills, fever, sore throat, cough etc.

Regular flu virus undergo small change each year and spread in each season.These genetic changes in virus ensure that each year the human body has to fight a new virus and is not able to develop complete immunity.New medicines are often needed to fight the flu each year.

Swine flu is caused by a virus formed as a result of large genetic mutation.Because of this large genetic mutation, people have little immunity against the virus.

This is leading to a fast spread of virus.The virus includes genetic material from a virus that causes flu in swine, hence the name.

The virus spreads through: Coughing or sneezing of infected people.Sometimes by touching something with flu viruses.

Swine flu symptoms are similar to regular flu.

Hence detection requires special test.Medical advice should be sought if symptoms persist or complicate.

What is Swine FluSwine Flu Impact and Current StatusHow serious a threat is itWhat should we do about it

Being a new strain, the virus is very communicable.Swine flu has in past 6 months spread across the globe.

Americas account for roughly half of the total infections.Tropical countries are witnessing rising infections.

The young and people with existing health problems account for nearly 50% of total infections.However, most people get mild infections and recover with minor medical care.

Hospitalization rate is 2-5% of infected people.

5500 confirmed cases have been reported in India (as of 10th Sep)

Globally 2837 deaths reported implying a mortality rate of 1.11 %However, in developing countries such as India and Brazil, the mortality rate is higher .

150 deaths reported in India with a mortality rate of 2.7%.

World Swine Flu Spread Status

Karnataka and Maharashtra (especially Bangalore and Pune) account for majority of deaths in India.

Karnataka has reported high mortality rate of 6%.However, actual mortality and complication rates would be lower as most cases go undetected.

Because of selective testing of only severe cases.So, mortality rate of 6% would be mainly among people who developed severe complications.

Around 170 cases/ day are still being reported in India.

So, we need to be on guard.Flu is spreading to more parts of India.

Mutation of the virus leading to more critical conditions was a concern.

However, virus mutation has not happened.The infection affected India only in last 30-45 days and is likely passing through peak of its spread.

Infection cases are likely to decline in coming months.

Swine flu was declared a Pandemic couple of months back as it had affected people across the globe (and not because it was likely to lead to doomsday)

It has passed the Peak stage in countries where it originated as cases have been on the decline in US, Mexico.

What is Swine FluSwine Flu Impact and Current StatusHow serious a threat is itWhat should we do about it

Incidence and Mortality of some other major viral/ bacterial diseases in World*

Hepatitis A Dengue MalariaIncidence

Over 90 lakh people get affected by this communicable disease. Mortality rates are as high as 20%.

World TB Incidence and Mortality %

82848688909294

2001 2004 2007

In Lakh

17%18%19%20%21%22%23%

TB incidence TB Mortality %

Deaths

14 Lakh0.3 Lakh

500 Lakh

12.5 Lakh

2500 Lakh

10 Lakh

Malaria and Dengue continue to remain most serious dangerous threats in tropical countries.Hepatitis infects all sections of the society and its cases have been growing in the last decade.

*Data based on WHO estimates for recent years (Not to Scale)

The virus being highly communicable could potentially affect a large proportion of the population.

Hence the concern was justified to certain extent.Being a new disease, there was low understanding about its impact.

People are afraid of what they do not understand, hence the extra concern.

Incidence and Mortality of some major viral/ bacterial diseases in India*

Hepatitis B Malaria TBIncidence Deaths

11 Lakh

NA

17 Lakh

~ 1,000

19 Lakh

3.3 Lakh

*Data based on WHO estimates for recent years (Not to Scale)

While TB remains the most serious communicable disease in India, Hepatitis and Malaria also infect significant population.Actual cases and impact of diseases is expected to be higher.How much media attention goes to these diseases?If Swine Flu is not the biggest health threat to the country then why is it

getting so much publicity?

What is Swine FluSwine Flu Impact and Current StatusHow serious a threat is itWhat should we do about it

Take hygiene seriously.Use hand cleaners regularly.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle.Sensitive population group (pregnant women, people with respiratory problems etc.) need to take extra care.Keep sick children home from school, daycare, camp, etc.Stay home if you are sick.

See a doctor, minimize spread of germs.Take hygienic precautions if you are in contact with sick people.

It is important to not to panic, most people recover by themselves or with basic medical care on being infected.

Gain more understanding about the disease, its prevention and cure.

There is a wealth of information available on Government and WHO websites to help you.

Share your knowledge in your social circle.

Did you know that India collects 6-7 Million units of blood a year for a demand of 9 Million units?Swine flu and its rumors have led to various companies and donors shying away from donations.

Serious shortages are expected in coming months.If we do not step up then more people might die of blood unit shortages than of flu itself.

Swine flu is also causing indirect damages to the society. As concerned citizens we have a role to mitigate all the related challenges.

Sankalp is a completely voluntary organization.Aimed at making blood donations 100% voluntary And at improving the blood donation experience to make them regular donors.

Sankalp has been in operation since last 6 years.Single point anytime access to blood request management throughout Karnataka via helpline 1062/ 9480044444Sankalp Emergency Team has become a last resort for people looking for blood.

Has never let a blood request go unanswered.Sankalp helps organize regular blood donations across corporate and colleges.

Already in touch with over 70 companies and numerous colleges.Looking for more volunteers and corporate initiatives.

Visit www.sankalpindia.net

For more information contact:+91-9880132850

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