Tuesday, July 28, 2009

FW: Swine Flu - Risk Mitigation

 

 

In view of the continuing spread of Swine Flu across the world we are listing down the points on the identification of the symptoms as well as precautionary, preventive & control measures.

Signs & Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of the new Influenza A (H1N1) virus are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and can include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue.  Some people also experience diarrhea and vomiting.

 

Also, like seasonal flu:

 

·         the worst symptoms usually last about five days, but coughing can last up to two to three weeks

·         young children, people with some long-term medical conditions, pregnant women, and older people, can get very sick

·         in rare instances severe illness and death can occur

Do the Following

·         Maintain personal hygiene.

·         Check and adhere to the tips from travel counselor or travel and VISA cell of TechM if you are traveling.

·         Practice safe food consumption habits.

·         Cover your sneeze and cough in disposable tissues.

·         Avoid close contact with wild birds / animals. Stay away from the Zoo.

·         As a social distancing measure, avoid close contact with the people having cough and fever.

·         Ensure your regular workplace is kept clean.

·         Ensure proper cooking of food before consumption.

·         Immediately contact physician in case of illness and fatigue or weakness.

Risk Category

1.            All returning from abroad

2.            Those staying with colleagues, friends & relatives who have returned from abroad or who have been in close proximity with persons who have returned from abroad

3.            Anyone who could have been in the proximity of getting infected directly or indirectly (been in the Risk Area)

Anyone who has been without symptoms for a week is most likely not carrying the virus.

Ministry of Health, Government of India has formulated an action plan including Screening at all port of Entries, Nodal Hospitals in all States for testing suspected patients, Quarantine of the positive cases and Treatment.

Action Plan for TechM Employees returning from onsite

1.            In case of any of the symptoms felt or seen, the employee should consult Doctor/Physician keeping the supervisor informed and on guidance immediately report to the Identified Hospitals in the respective city for the medical test for Swine flu.

2.            If the test result is Negative, the employee shall return to work with the medical report copy for official records.

3.            If the test result is Positive, the employee shall undergo the treatment plan as per the Health Ministry guideline and will report to office only after the treatment of the Swine Flu.

4.            Project Managers should keep a note of such employees and project planning to be considered accordingly as they will not be available for work immediately on return, till the observation period is complete with no symptoms being visible or medical test cycle is complete (in cases of colleagues exhibiting symptoms) and such employee is tested Negative.

5.            If any employees inside office premises, who have not been in direct/indirect contact with any of the Risk Category person AND if they happen to get any of the flu like symptoms in office, they should get the Facial Mask from FMG immediately and be evacuated from office. They should not report to office till the complete cycle of observation, screening and confirmation of Negative result is completed.

S No

Location

Hospital

Helpline number(s)

1

Bangalore

Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Chest Diseases, Near NIMHANS, Hombegowda Nagar, Bangalore-560029

+91-80-26632634

2

Chandigarh

Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGI), Sector 12, Chandigarh-160012

+91-172-2747585, 2746018, 2756565

3

Chennai

Communicable Diseases Hospital, No 187, Thiruvottiyur High Road, Near Apollo Hospital, Tondiarpet, Chennai-600081

+91-44-25912686, 25912687, 25912688

4

Hyderabad

Govt Chest Hospital, E S I Hospital Road, S R Nagar, Erragadda, Hyderabad-500018

+91-40-23814421, 23814422

5

Kolkata

Beliaghata Id Hospital, 57 Beliaghata Main Road, Kolkata-700010

+91-33-23701251, 23701252, 23601251, 23601252

6

Mumbai

Kasturba Hospital, Sane Guruji Rd., Jacob Circle, Opp. Arthur Rd Jail, Mahalaxmi, Mumbai-400011

+91-22-23083901, 23054831, 23004325

7

Noida

Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, Ward No.5, Baba Kharak Singh Marg, Connaught Place-110001

+91-11-23921401/

+91-11- 24525211/

8

Pune

Naidu Hospital, Near Le Meridian Hotel, Raja Bahadur Mill, Pune GPO, Pune-411001

+91-20-26058243, 26058842

 

Travel Care

 

Those who are ill please delay travel plans and returning travelers who fall ill seek appropriate medical care. Carry all necessary details about medical assistance during the trip. For taking cover abroad under overseas travel insurance call up the insurance service provider in the respective countries.

 

Employees who are covered under HDFCergo intimate our service provider M/s International SOS on Ph: +91-11-41898800 Fax: +91-11-41898801 email: Hdfcergo@internationalsos.com prior to hospitalization.  

 

For people landing at India, it is pertinent that they are aware of the new airport screening measures announced by the Government of India at each of its international terminals in response to the outbreak of H1N1 flu in a number of countries. These measures are already in effect.  

 

The screening measures include :

a)    Requiring all travelers arriving on international flights to complete a questionnaire that will be reviewed by health care screeners at the airport. Travelers who answer ‘yes’ to any of the questions or show signs of fever or cough may be referred to a doctor and possibly detained for observation. 

b)    Travelers showing signs of fever or cough during a flight may also be asked to wear a mask for the duration of the flight. Passengers sitting in the vicinity, three rows ahead and back, of the affected traveler may also be given masks to wear and be subject to additional screening upon arrival in India. 

c)     If arriving from or departing to an affected country, travelers who have a fever or cough are being asked by Indian authorities to consider postponing their trips. 

d)    Travelers to India should be prepared for significant delays upon arrival as these screening measures are implemented.

Below are a few sites which you may like to visit for more information on the virus. We have also uploaded a document on Swine Flu and a FAQ on the HR intranet which you can browse through.

Internet Links

Ø  http://www.who.int

Ø  http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/general_info.htm

Ø  http://mohfw.nic.in/press_releases_on_swine_flu.htm

HR Site Link

Ø  http://hr.techmahindra.com/index1.asp?id=11  (Intranet link)

Ø  http://intraconnect1.techmahindra.com (Internet link) (visit the Stay Fit Tab)

Take care and stay fit!!

 

 

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