12 August,2009 07:42 AM IST | | Alisha Coelho
Respiratory consultant Jalil Parkar answered this and many other questions in an online chat about swine flu with MiD DAY website users yesterday. Alisha Coelho brings you some of the questions and change
What is the biggest myth surroun-ding swine flu?
That the condition is a dreaded disease and is going to kill thousands. That is not the case. When we compare the situation with SARS in terms of those infected and those who passed away, the deaths in 2005 were much higher. People should not get worked up. We see deaths related to pulmonary tuberculosis, malaria, dengue and leptospirosis on a daily basis and so unnecessary panic will achieve nothing.
There've been messages to use Nilgiri oil in handkerchiefs and that alcohol consumption is a natural cure for the virus. Is there any truth to this?
All these messages should be taken with a pinch of salt. There has been no documented literature to prove that such home remedies are of any help.
Are there any patients who need to take more precaution than others?
People who have or are suffering from multiple illnesses, diabetics, patients who have undergone surgical procedures, people with vitamin deficiencies, elderly people and people exposed to crowded places.
There's a fear among people who think that even though they're healthy now, they might catch the illness by visiting a testing centre.
It's very inappropriate to think so because once you've contracted the virus, you don't have a choice but to visit the centre and it would be foolish to stay away. Even at reputed private hospitals, there would be a separately identified location where the chances of you coming into contact with someone with the virus are just as probable. As long as one takes the precautions set by the central authorities, there shouldn't be a problem.
Are private facilities equipped to handle the situation?
When the SARS outbreak took place, Lilavati Hospital had an isolated ward with an air-conditioning system and exhaust that ensured the air in the room was being circulated and dispensed off properly. I'm positive that private hospitals will be able to handle patients.
Can we recycle masks?
No, they cannot be recycled and even the WHO has recommended that N95 masks can only be used for a single day.
