By Salman Sultan, TwoCircles.net Special Correspondent,
Azamgarh: Association for Welfare, Medical, Educational and Legal Assistance,
Azamgarh, organized a program on 13th September 2009 in the Hall of Shibli National Inter College, Azamgarh, to create awareness about Swine Flu.
The program started at 10:30 am with recitation of Holy Quran by Maulana Kalim Sifat Islahi, Rafiq, Darul Musannefin Shibli Academy, Azamgarh. Secretary AWMELA (Dr. Salman Sultan) briefly explained the formation of this registered society and introduced its committee members.
He then invited Dr. K.M. Agarwal, CMO Azamgarh, to enlighten the gathering about Swine Flu. Dr. Agarwal informed that there is no patient of Swine Flu in Azamgarh but advised precaution in gathering especially educational institutions. In case of child suffering from this kind of Flu, he should be quarantined, advised the CMO.
The President, Indian Medical Association (IMA), Azamgarh, Dr. Furqan and its Secretary Dr. D.P. Rai expressed similar views and assured people of IMA’s full cooperation. Mr. Abu Mohammad, Principal, Shibli National Inter College, condemned the media hype in exaggerating the menace of Swine Flu and warned against evil design of developed nations.
Maulana Umair-us-Siddiq Nadwi, Senior Rafiq Darul Musannefin Shibli Academy appreciated the formation of AWMELA and its initiative. He told about the outbreak of Swine Flu in epidemic form in 1918 when a lot of people died. However, he emphasized on good sanitation and hygiene and strongly condemned the loitering of swines on roads and public places that is a carrier of a number of diseases. He congratulated all members of AWMELA and stated “if our country is of good mind and body then only it will progress”. Dr. Ghayasuddin, a physician in District Hospital highlighted the hygienic steps taken by Muslims five times a day prior to prayers and said it is sufficient to prevent this viral infection. He also mentioned that lot of people dying in road accident and being murdered that is not hyped by media.
Dr. Javed Akhtar, president, AWMELA, presented details about Swine Flu, its definition, treatment, and prevention etc. through a power point presentation.
He defined it as “The 2009 flu pandemic is a global outbreak of a new strain of influenza virus, officially named the “new H1N1”, first identified in April, 2009, and commonly called “Swine Flue”. It is thought to be a mutation of four known strains of the influenza A virus, subtype H1N1: one endemic in (normally infecting) humans, one endemic in birds and two endemic in pigs (swine).”….
“The virus typically spread from coughs and sneezes or by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the nose or mouth. Symptoms, which can last up to a week, are similar to those of seasonal flu, and may include fever, sneezes, sore throat, coughs, headache, and muscle or joint pains”
He said “It’s very important we take this virus seriously. As the virus spreads easily between people, through the air or surface contact, those who get the flue are recommended to stay home from school or work and avoid crowds to avoid spreading the infection further.”
“Vaccines available sooner may be limited and given first to healthcare workers, pregnant women and other higher risk groups. Two or three injections will be required for maximum immunity from both the swine flue and seasonal flue. There is also concern if the new virus mutates further, it could become more virulent and les susceptible to any new vaccine.”
Proposed suggestion: “patients with mild symptoms should be told that flue can usually be treated by home care with rest, fluids, and acetaminophen and ibuprofen for fever, while suggesting alternative treatment options including extended physician and clinic hours and special flu clinics run by volunteers. It advised hospitals to cancel vacations, reassign personnel, require mandatory overtime, and to pool resources and patient loads.“
Questions from audience were satisfactorily answered by Dr. Javed Akhtar and Dr. K.M. Agarwal, CMO.
Demonstration of precautionary measure like gloves and masks and mock examination of patient was also held.