• What is Swine flu?
• Is the current swine flu virus contagious?
• What are the signs and symptoms of swine flu in people?
• How does swine flu spread?
• How are human infections with swine influenza diagnosed?
• How can someone with the flu infect someone else?
• What surfaces are most likely to be sources of contamination?
• How long can viruses live outside the body?
• What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?
• How does hand washing help prevent infections like swine flu?
• What if I don't have immediate access to water?
• When do I use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer?
• Does Himalaya have an alcohol-based hand sanitizer?
• How does PureHands fight against infection?
• How do I use PureHands?
• Is PureHands safe for regular use?
• Where can I purchase PureHands?
• Does Himalaya have products to help build the body's immunity to fight infections like the flu virus?
• Does relieving stress and fatigue help in preventing flu?

What is Swine flu?

Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by Type A influenza viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs.

Swine flu viruses have been reported to spread from person-to-person, but in the past, this transmission was limited and not sustained beyond three people.

Is the current swine flu virus contagious?

Various international agencies (US Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, World Health Organization) have determined that the current outbreak of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human.

What are the signs and symptoms of swine flu in people?

Swine flu is a viral infection and its most common symptoms are fever, running or blocked nose, nausea, chills, cough, sore throat, body ache, weakness and fatigue.

Swine flu symptoms are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu.

Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.

Spread of this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is thought to happen in the same way that seasonal flu spreads.

Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with ‘live' flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth, eyes or nose.

To diagnose swine influenza A infection, a respiratory specimen would generally need to be collected within the first four to five days of illness (when an infected person is most likely to be shedding virus). However, some persons, especially children, may shed virus for 10 days or longer.

Identification as a swine flu influenza A virus requires sending the specimen to a hospital laboratory for testing.

How can someone with the flu infect someone else?

Infected people may be able to infect others one day before symptoms develop and up to seven or more days after becoming sick. You may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.

Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods of more than 10–15 days.

If you are a confirmed case of swine flu, confine yourself to a room and wear a mask.

Doorknobs, desks, telephones - practically anything that an infected person touches becomes contaminated with the virus. If a healthy person touches the same surface and then touches the nose, eyes or mouth, he/ she will also contract the virus.

How long can viruses live outside the body?

Some viruses and bacteria can live two hours or longer on surfaces like cafeteria tables, doorknobs, and desks.

Frequent hand washing helps reduce the chance of contamination from these common surfaces.

What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Use disposable tissues and dispose it carefully.

Wash your hands often with soap and running water for 30 seconds and especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based gel or foam hand sanitizers are effective in killing these viruses.

There is always some virus on tabletops, telephones and computers. So try not to touch your eyes, nose and mouth frequently. The virus can spread this way.

What if I don't have immediate access to water?

In the absence of water, use an alcohol based hand sanitizer. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are effective in destroying viruses and bacteria.

The World Health Organisation states that one should use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if you don't have immediate access to soap and water.

• Routine cleansing of hands.
• Before touching or eating food.
• Before and after attending to a sick person.
• Before touching a baby or infant.
• During travel or after using public transport.
• After contact with surfaces in public places.
• After using the washroom/public toilet.
• After handling pets/animals.
• After visiting a hospital/nursing home.
• After doing household work like cleaning, dusting, handling garbage and the like.

Yes. Himalaya's PureHands is an effective, herbal, alcohol-based hand sanitizer, which kills 99.9% of germs, prevents infection, and ensures total hand hygiene.

PureHands has antiseptic and antimicrobial properties, which are effective in fighting viruses, bacteria, and fungi.

PureHands contains extracts of herbs like Dhanyaka (Coriander) which has potent antimicrobial properties and Nimbuka (Citrus Lemon) which has bactericidal properties. In addition, the active ingredients of Nimba (Neem) possess antibacterial, fungicidal and antiviral properties.

PureHands is absolutely safe for regular use. It contains moisturizers that prevent skin irritation and dryness. The product has been clinically tested and its safety and efficacy is proven.

Where can I purchase PureHands?

PureHands is available at all Himalaya exclusive stores and chemists. You can also purchase
it online at store.himalayahealthcare.com

Does Himalaya have products to help build the body's immunity to fight infections like the flu virus?

Himalaya has a range of immune boosters like Tulasi, Amalaki, Guduchi and Septilin that are very effective in building the body's immunity.

Tulasi promotes optimum respiratory support. It has anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, expectorant properties and is useful in respiratory tract infections. It also helps during respiratory stress.

Amalaki provides effective resistance against many diseases especially of the respiratory tract.

Guduchi helps increase the effectiveness of protective white blood cells and helps in building the body's own defense mechanism (immune system).

Septilin is a polyherbal immunomodulator that helps build the body's own defence mechanism and protect against infections. It is clinically validated and endorsed by medical fraternity.

Yes! People who have chronic stress and fatigue (physical and mental tiredness)  are more prone to get infections. In such cases, Geriforte a general tonic, effectively rejuvenates physical and mental capacity. It also helps in early recovery from viral illnesses.