Swine flu update – India

In its briefing on August 6, WHO assured that regulatory procedures are in place for the licensing of the pandemic (H1N1) vaccines. Vaccines are among the most important medical interventions for reducing illness and deaths during a pandemic. Right now, there is a great need to have the vaccine quickly produced and in large quantities. As such, there is no effective vaccine available for mass vaccination programs. A lot of research is going on in India also to develop a safe vaccine.

Indian Health Minister is not giving any assurance of the Government’s preparedness to tackle this problem. In fact, he admitted that no measure could prevent the spread of H1N1 influenza in India and that nearly one-third of the population could be infected with the virus over the next two years! As per one of the press report, the Indian tally is: 959 infected, Mumbai-95, Pune-220 and Rest of India-644. Death toll rises to 8.

This only leaves the common man to fend for himself on this issue and take all the precautions so that he is not getting infected. Disposable masks may be too expensive and may not be necessary also. People can use a clean handkerchief over their nose and mouth. Avoid crowded places and in case of cold and cough contact the family physician for treatment. DO NOT PANIC.