Do we fear volcanic eruption, do we think about global warming, and then don’t you think that this new pandemonium deserves a serious attention?
History:-
Novel H1N1 earlier referred to as Swine Flu was first detected in US in April 2009. In 2008, World Bank estimated that a flu pandemic could cost $3 trillion and would result in a nearly 5% drop in world GDP. Do you think that the World Bank were correct with the stats? Let’s see!
Facts & Figures:-
According to latest estimate of WHO, approx 816 people have died from infection. An estimated 1 in every 158 people in England is thought to have had swine flu since the outbreak began in England at the end of April. In India itself, 525 cases have been identified mostly in the state of Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur and Delhi and yesterday a girl in Pune died and I think everyone must be aware of the reason by now. It has the power of swiping away 12% of US GDP.
Researchers do have come up with anti virus Tamiflu but they are effective only if taken in the first 48 hours of infection but they also bear side effects like nauseau and diarrhoea.
Steps taken by the governement:-
In UK, government has started a national pandemic flu service helpline, which helps people diagnose whether they have swine flu and tells them what to do if they are ill.
Similarly, Maharashtra government has decided to boost homeopathic research on the H1N1 virus with an initial provision of Rs 5 lakh.
Even in Jordan, ministry will purchase Thermal Scanning Cameras, a device that images transmitted heat which would be placed at airport and at border crossings.
Beneficiary:-
But overall it has come as a boon for vaccines and anti-viral drug maker. (Justification: Shares of Novavax Inc touched a two-year high of $4.40, Vical Incs shares rose to a new 52-week high of $3.96 on Nasdaq, Biocryst Pharmaceuticals Incs shares rose as much as 18% to a two-year high of $11.20).
Precaution:-
If you think we are safe, I think we are mistaken because on 14th June, around 100 software professionals in Hyderabad walked into the Government Chest Hospital, the nodal centre for handling swine flu cases in the state, to get them checked for the virus, out of message spread about Swine flu. This booby hatch deserves special attention, in terms of awareness, safety precaution, initial diagnose if one is suffering from fever so that it does not spread. Your fellow citizen’ life is equally important.
Note:- Please note this is to provide basic information about the topic to make sure that you get an idea on this.
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