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Original Source :HIMALAYAN NEWS SERVICE
The Ministry of Health and Population has asked all the hospitals to set up isolation wards to tackle H1N1 virus in case of any epidemic.
With the increasing number of people being affected by H1N1 virus, which is also known as swine flu, in India, the risk of the disease is increasing in Nepal as well, it said. Issuing a press statement, MoHP informed that it was all prepared to tackle the disease. MoHP said it has sufficient stock of anti-viral medicines, antibiotics and personal protective equipment to fight against the virus if an epidemic occurs. It has also prepared a guideline for prevention and treatment of the virus.
“We have asked all government and private hospitals to set up isolation wards to deal with the virus. Lab services and antiviral medicines will be provided under the supervision of medical officials at the National Public Health Laboratory and Epidemiology and Disease Control Division,” said MoHP, appealing to the general public to adopt preventive measures against the virus.
“To stay safe, one should cover his/her face while sneezing, maintain proper hygiene and maintain a distance from those who are suffering from swine flu,” MoHA advised.
The symptoms of swine flu include cough, fever, sore throat, runny nose, body ache, headache, chills and fatigue.
The virus transmits from infected humans to others while sneezing or coughing. Under-fives, senior citizens, pregnant women, children below 18 years who are under long-term aspirin therapy, those who have lungs, heart, liver, blood, nervous system-related problems and HIV-positive people, among others, are vulnerable to H1N1 virus. The virus was first detected in Nepal in 2009.