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| Help line for Flu patients | | |
Early Times Report
Jammu, Feb 12
As more and more people losing valuable workdays to viral fever and children complaining of headache, pain and cold, a toll free helpline for flu and related condition has been launched in the country.
“Since the initial time is very crucial, we are supporting the helpline for flu related illness so that within the minimum possible time, the patient is properly guided,” stated Dr A K Prasad of Influenza Foundation of India, one of the patrons to the helpline. He added that due to lack of awareness and non-availability of treatment, precious time is wasted in seeking medical help, which can result in death or other complications.
The main objective behind launching the Flu helpline (1800-11-0678) will be to create awareness among the people so that they can have better access to timely medical aid. Children and the elderly above 50 will be urged to take special protection from the 200 odd air borne viral infection which continuously float in the air.
Flu or influenza is a highly contagious viral infection of the respiratory tract. While the illness may be temporary and short-lived, it is a disease that is estimated to infect 5-15% Indians every year. The World Health Organization estimates that annual influence epidemics causes 3-5 million severe illness and between 250,000 to 500,000 death every year.
The influenza vaccine has been in India for more than six years, however, very few have heard of it, unlike in the US where kids and adults are regularly inoculated.
Giving details of the Flu Helpline, Dr P S Narang, a pediatrician from Max Hospital, said even before flu strikes, vaccination is essential. Since a flu virus changes constantly every year leading to newer composition, chances of getting infected increases manifold even if one has taken flu shot earlier. He added that early vaccination can be particularly beneficial to people with low immunity and can minimize the functional complications.
The number of the Flu Helpline (1800-11-0678) is not just intended for patients but even doctors who can have access to important information and preventive aspects of Flu.
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