PGI Doctors Hold Awareness Drive Against H1N1 infuenza

By 121 News

Chandigarh 18^th December:- An awareness drive was held by doctors and staff of public health dispensary sector 25 run by Department of Community Medicine, PGI regarding H1N1 influenza. A health talk was given to the students of Government Model High School, sector 25 Chandigarh about the modes of transmission of H1N1 influenza and its prevention and control. The talk was delivered by Dr Urvi Sharma and Dr Kirtan Rana, Senior and Junior Residents, Department of community medicine, PGI.

The upcoming winter season is the season of high transmission of H1N1 infuenza with an expected rise in cases in Chandigarh and Northern India. H1N1 is an acute febrile respiratory tract illness which resembles a common cold in symptoms and spread. The children were made aware of cough and sneezing etiquette as well as principles of hand washing to prevent the infection. The teachers and principal were also addressed to avoid large gathering of students such as morning assembly. They were asked to ensure voluntary isolation of infected students and set up a notice board resolving common queries A health talk was also given to pregnant and lactating women of sector 25. Pregnant women are at high risk of developing complications from H1N1 Influenza with one woman having died from the infection last year from this area. The women were counselled regarding means to protect themselves from the infection and getting vaccinated against H1N1. All high risk individuals such as elderly, immunocompromised, people with chronic ailments and health care workers were adviced to get vaccinated against H1N1.