Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Swine Flu And Pune

We all are battling with "Swine Flu". News channels are all flooded in these news only. Everyday we receive news of 1-2 persons being killed by this dangerous virus. People here in Pune are really feared with this situation. Person coughed once is also seen in doubt. We cant help on this actually, the symptoms for "Swine Flu" are not different from the normal cold, cough symptoms. People having cold or cough alone are also gathering at Naydu and other government recommended hospitals for swine flu testing. I think this is really dangerous as these people are exposing themselves among the "Swine Flu" infected people. One should get tested if one has following symptoms together: fever, cough, runny\stuffy nose, sore throat, chills, fatigue, headache. Government should educate everyone on these actual Swine Flu symptoms.

This situation will become worse in coming days. Dahi-Handi and Ganapati festivals are approaching. and They are highly celebrated in Pune. We talk about keeping 6-10 feet distance from the infected people but will we be able to control the "H1N1 virus" if people will group together for such activities?. I think, rather than government imply force on janata for not celebrating these festivals in public manner, people here should understand the current situation and act accordingly. I think we should not celebrate "Dahi-Handi" and "Sarvajnik Ganeshostav" this year. People can worship Ganesh Murthi at their home. But in this way also you cant control on people gathering when it comes to the "Ganapati Visarjan". Better option is not to celebrate any festival. The ideal approach would be to observe curfew in the city for at least 10 days. and government should provide medicines to infected persons to their home.

Another thing i observed here is about the Masks distribution. I had to take pair of 3 layered mask for Rs 50. The similar mask was previously available for Rs 5. This is not the condition where we should look for our own benefit, and try to make profit out of the situation. Also even if city is facing shortage of the N-95 masks, everyone is going after them. Doctors have suggested that not everyone need N-95 masks and it is only for relatives of infected personnel. Two 3-layered masks overlapping one another will do.

For the precaution measures i am trying to remain away from Pune. Because right now i don't have any major responsibility work in office, I have taken leaves from office and taking rest here in kalyan. But i wont be able to do this for long time. Like me it is not possible for many people to keep away from work and leave Pune , my advice to them would be to drink a lot of water and juices, Vitamin 'C' food while working.

Considering the population and poverty of the nation, it is really worst thing happened that "Swine Flu" got spread in India. Till now the patients found are from cities only. If "Swine Flu" reaches to villages, then it would be real disaster. Let us hope, before this happens we will take control over it.