6 Medical Colleges in Rajasthan to do free Swine Flu Detection

Jaipur: The Health Department is on high alert in Rajasthan against the swine flu epidemic with Health Minister Kalicharan Saraf, alerting the citizens of the state to take benefit of the free swine flu detection facility being offered by 6 Government Medical Colleges at Bikaner, Kota, Ajmer, Udaipur, Jodhpur and Jaipur on Tuesday.

He said, "People who have developed symptoms of swine flu should not panic and visit the government hospital for treatment." The minister also announced the Swine Flu helpline number-0141-2225624, for people looking for information on the slowly spreading epidemic.

The minister also announced monitoring cells having been set up by the government in all district to combat the menace of Swine Flu. The onset of summer has seen an increase in the cases of Swine flu in the state reports TOI.

"Early detection means early recovery," stated state health officials. NGOs and civil societies have been roped in by the government to spread awareness on Swine Flu.

• The swine flu (H1N1 virus) is a new influenza virus.


• It was first diagnosed in humans in Mexico during March 2009.


• The symptoms of swine flu are similar to that of a seasonal flu.


• you need to pay special attention to personal hygiene for prevention.

The symptoms of swine flu are similar to that of a seasonal flu. One may experience cough, sore throat, fever, chills, headache, lethargy, lack of appetite, nausea and diarrhoea.

Aches, Fatigue, Loss of Appetite, Chills

Body aches, aching muscles, joint pain and headaches that persist should be reported. If you experience a sudden loss in appetite with lethargy or suffer from chills, it can be symptoms of swine flu.

Sudden Fever, Cough

There can be a sudden fever and a sudden cough, which may or may not accompany other aches. If you have a sudden temperature and start coughing, consult with your physician.

Apart from a fever and cough, cold symptoms such as a sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, andsneezing are likely.

Diarrhoea, stomach upset and vomiting are not the sure signs, but sometimes accompany cold symptoms. These signs also indicate that something is wrong.

To shield yourself, you need to pay special attention to personal hygiene. Wash your hands frequently, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer, avoid contact with those affected, try not to touch your eyes, nose and mouth.