Strategy outlined for treatment procedure of H1N1 virus

Experts are of the opinion that random testing of samples for the virus is neither feasible nor necessary and hence issued guidelines for administration of medication and hospitalization to be limited to acute and chronic cases.

Dr. Srivastawa, director general of health services (DGHS), Union health ministry, said: "People are advised not to rush to hospitals and fight with doctors to test them compulsorily. There is a limit to the number of samples our labs and microbiologists can handle. Hence, samples will be tested only in certain circumstances."

Initial segregation of cases
In an effort to bring some semblance of order in the bizarre situation developing over the spiraling pandemic, the health department has issued strict guidelines to hospitals regarding testing.

The strategy adopted is segregation of cases at the preliminary level to ease pressure on the medical fraternity for the backlog created by the indiscriminate testing process implemented.

Although under pressure, the health officials have begun to follow the instructions issued. A doctor said: “There are people who plead to be tested, but we will say a firm no if they don’t show symptoms of swine flu.”

The three categories of patients
To begin with patients having severe illness and high risk for flu complications, need to consult a health care provider to determine whether flu testing or treatment is needed.

Subsequently on the basis of warning signs, the patients have been categorized into three sections to seek emergency medical care.

Category A: This comprises patients with mild fever, sore throat, body ache, headache, diarrhoea and vomiting. These people do not require testing for H1N1 or administration of Tamiflu.

Such mild cases can be treated at home by adhering to the preventive measures and maintaining alertness to the symptoms of the flu. Their condition should be closely monitored and re-assessed after 24 to 48 hours by a doctor.

Category B: In this section if the above signs persist and the patient develops high fever plus severe throat infection, he or she should be quarantined and home and given Tamiflu.

In addition, children less than five years of age, pregnant women, persons aged 65 years or more and those with underlying health issues like lung, heart, liver, kidney, diabetes, neurological disorders, cancer and HIV/AIDS; patients on long-term cortisone therapy are advised isolation and treatment with Tamiflu, but do not need to be tested for H1N1.

Category C: This is the most serious section. If a patient demonstrates symptoms of Categories A and B, and also complains of shortness of breath, chest pain, drowsiness, low blood pressure, sputum mixed with blood, discolouration of nails, he or she requires immediate hospitalization.

In addition, irritable children refusing food and not interacting need to be admitted in a hospital.