Swine Flu scares Stars

Swine Flu is on the rise and has gripped the country in fear. Bollywood too has come on a standstill, as Karan Johar recently cancelled the shoot of his film Kurbaan, starring Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor in Pune due to the deadly scare. We spoke to a few celebrities to know how well informed they are about the pandemic and what precautions are they taking to prevent themselves from swine flu.

Raima Sen:

The situation is very scary and is a matter of dire concern. But being in this profession, one can’t sit back at home and avoid work, I have already ordered for masks and hand sanitizers. One should avoid going to malls and theatres during this time, try your level best to stay away from crowded places. Teach your staff and friends about the flu and carry a handkerchief with you at all times.

Luke Kenny:

I’m keeping myself updated on the information regarding swine flu. And I am every vigilant when in public places. Avoid tactile contact no more than necessary and eat only home-cooked food.

Amitabh Bachchan:

Big B spoke of the flu scare at his grand daughter Navya Naveli’s school and the media apathy concerning the flu in the country on his blog, 'Navya’s School in Delhi rang in late last night to say a girl in the 6th standard had tested positive for Swine Flu and that the School had been shut and all the kids were instructed to stay home. The little girl student is in the same year as Navya but in a different section of class. Obviously this has created an alarming situation for the families of all the children.'

‘The electronic media apparently, instead of demonstrating calm and caution has been only concentrating on the alarming aspect of the disease, by repeatedly showing the extreme case of a young girl that sadly a week ago as a first case, succumbed to the illness in the city,” he signed off.

Kareena Kapoor:

A source close to the actress revealed, “Kareena was the one who forced director Rensil D’Silva to call off the shoot in Pune due to the Swine Flu scare. She has just a few portions to shoot but does not want to take any risks and put her point forward to Rensil and Karan.” Kareena had even gone on to tell the press that she will not shoot in Pune until the situation is under control and prevention of the disease is better than the cure itself.

Mallika Sherawat:

Even while in the U.S, Mallika isnt oblivious to the scare in home town, the actress tweeted on social networking site Twitter, ‘Swine Flu is a threat to life and one should inform him/herself about the symptoms and the cautionary methods of preventing himself from the flu.’ The actress then added a link to her page about all things informing about the virus.

What is Swine Flu?

Swine flu, otherwise known as pandemic influenza H1N1 2009, is a disease caused by a virus that affects the respiratory system.Any person with flu like symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, cold, running nose etc. should go to a designated Government facility for giving his/her sample for testing for the H1N1 virus. After clinical assessment, the designated medical officer would decide on the need for testing. Except for cases that are severe, the patient would be allowed to go home. The swine flue virus is mainly from one person to another through droplets released during coughing or sneezing. You can also get infected when you touch surfaces or hold objects contaminated with the virus. It can be door handles, tissue paper, handkerchief or hands.

Preventive Measures

Regularly wash hands with soap and water

Keep a distance of at least one step from an infected person or person with any of the symptoms to avoid contract with the influenza droplets

If you make contact with a sick person or with a potentially infected surface, please do not touch eyes, nose or mouth until you wash your hands with soap

Avoid close contact with a sick person and refrain from handshaking, kissing or hugging

Be active at all times, drink plenty of fluids, eat well, reduce stress and have enough sleep