The very fact that Swine Flu has caused deaths across the country has created panic among the people. Yes of course, the disease and its effects are threatening us day by day!
But, let us spend a few minutes in thinking if we can contribute at least a very minor percentage in reducing the risk of spreading the disease.
What do we do to prevent common cold? Teach children to cover their nose and mouth while coughing or sneezing? That’s exactly what matters most in the case of Swine flu also as it spreads similar to common cold.
Protect your children:
A fact about Swine Flu that most doctors across the globe agree is that - Children are more prone to this disease than the elderly just because of the fact that older people being exposed to various viruses along all these years have a stronger immunity system. So people, unless for necessary unavoidable reasons why not avoid taking children out to crowded areas just for fun?
I can even witness people taking their few months old babies to the hotel along with them just for the reason - enjoyment. Are they not aware of the danger that the baby (or themselves) are subjected to?
Its better to have safe fun rather than enjoy just to regret, right? - At least for the sake of the children!
Live and let live:
It is always a good practice to close your nose and mouth while coughing or sneezing. If not for you it will do a world of good for people around you. This measure holds good in the case of swine flu too. These good practices are taught in schools but as years go by small little goody goody things taught in school are almost forgotten.
Recently I happened to see a college lecturer while traveling by train. He is not connected to Swine flu but the fact that attracted my attention or rather irritated me to the core was the fact that he didn’t bother to cover his face while sneezing. He continued to do this at least a couple of times. There were so many other passengers sitting alongside. Isn’t it basic manners that everyone has to follow? This is not just one occurrence of this incident. Even in the railway station I came across quite a few people who never bothered about their co-passengers and stood there sneezing and coughing as if they were standing isolated in a room. Even illiterates should know this fact out of sheer common sense. But a lecturer or other educated people misguiding the society? What shall we name them? Educated idiots?
These kind of small deeds is what will contribute more towards reducing the spread of such epidemics.
In Tamil there is a saying - ‘Siru thuli peru vellam’ - meaning small droplets join together to constitute big water bodies. Likewise, don’t you think if each citizen makes up his mind that he will do his best and contribute to reduce the risk of spreading the disease, that will surely help?
No great actions are required. Simple lessons that we learn as kids - cleanliness, being kind to others, following good habits while at home and outside can do much towards the betterment of the nation.
I do not claim that you or I are capable of entirely stopping the disease immediately. But I am very sure that we can definitely contribute a small percentage (if not a large one) towards the betterment of the society.
Few facts about the flu:
Symptoms of the disease:
High fever
Cough and headache
Sore throat and runny nose
Muscle and joint pain
Chills and fatigue
May also include vomiting and diarrhoea
Simple preventive measures:
Keep your hands clean, wash them regularly
Wear a mask while traveling
Learn to cover your mouth and nose while coughing and sneezing
Avoid frequent travels to foreign countries
Avoid crowded areas as far as possible
