FAQs for Swine Flu Vaccination camp

1. What is Swine Flu?

Swine Flu or Swine Influenza is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A Influenza viruses that
regularly cause outbreaks of Influenza in pig.
2. Can Humans be infected with Swine flu?
Most commonly, human infections with variant viruses have occurred in people exposed to infected pigs
(e.g. children near pigs at a fair or workers in the pork industry)
3. How is this virus spread?
Transmission of Swine flu is the same as regular Flu from person to person, mainly through coughing and
sneezing by people who are infected. Please can also get infected by touching something with the flu
virus on it & then touching their nose or mouth.
4. What are the symptoms of Swine Flu?
Symptoms may include:
Fever
Lethargy & Fatigue
Lack of appetite
Coughing
Runny nose
Sore Throat
Nausea & vomiting
Diarrhea
5. How is Swine Flu diagnosed?
If a health care professional suspects swine flu based on the symptoms presented, a sample of the
patients nasal swab will be examined clinically.
6. Is Vaccination Safe during Pregnancy?
The vaccine is not known to have any adverse side effects to pregnant women. However, we recommend
you consult with your gynecologist before taking this vaccine.
7. What do you do if you think you have swine flu?
If you suspect you have swine flu, see a doctor immediately. You will probably be given a proper
medication to fight the disease. Meanwhile, please refrain from going to public places least the virus
spreads to other individuals and always use a handkerchief while coughing or sneezing.
8. If you are being treated for Swine flu, it is important to do the following:
Keep taking the prescribed antibiotics for as long as the doctor has asked you to take them. Wash your
hands carefully with soap and water after using the bathroom, and do not prepare or serve food for other
people. This will lower the chance that you will pass the infection on to someone else. Since the virus can
remain viable and infectious for about 48 hours on many surfaces, good hygiene and cleaning with soap
and water or alcohol-based hand disinfectants are also recommended.
Symptomatic people should stay at home, avoid crowds, and take off from work or school until the
disease is no longer transmittable (about two to three weeks) or until medical help and advice is sought.
Sneezing, coughing, and nasal secretions need to be kept away from other people; simply using tissues
and disposing of them will help others.

9. What can be done to prevent Swine Flu?

Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water before preparing food, before eating, and before
feeding children.

Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water after changing diapers and using the toilet.

Anyone who has diarrhea should not prepare food for others.

Make sure that all bodily wastes are properly discarded. This includes the washing or disposal of
soiled diapers.

When travelling to areas where there is swine flu, a basic rule to follow is: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or
forget it.

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth

Stay at least 6 feet away from people with flu-like illness.

Dont reuse a face mask for more than 24 hours. Discard and use a fresh one.

Flu viruses can linger on books, toys, countertops, doorknobs, phones, linens, eating utensils, and
other objects. Use a household disinfectant, following the directions on the products' label

10. Some people should not receive the vaccine

If you have severe, life threatening allergies, including an allergy for antibiotics. If you ever has a
life-threatening allergic reaction after a dose of flu vaccine, or have a severe allergy to any part
of this vaccine, you should not get vaccinated.

If you have ever has Guillian Barre syndrome ( a severe paralyzing illness, also called GBS).
Some people with a history of GBS should not get this vaccine and must discuss it with their
doctor.

If you have long term health problems, such as certain heart, breathing, liver, kidney or nervous
system problems, your doctor will help you decide whether you must take this vaccine or not.

If you have gotten any other vaccines in the last 4 weeks or if you are not feeling well. It is
usually ok to get the flu vaccine when mildly unwell, but you might be advised to wait until after
you feel better.

11. Am I protected right away once I get the vaccine?

No. It takes about 2 weeks after immunization for antibodies to develop in the body and provide
protection against influenza virus infection. In the meantime, you will still be at a risk of getting the flu.
12. How can I avail this vaccination?
Associates can walk into the Apollo branch between the prescribed time slot as mentioned in the email
body. It is mandatory that you carry your ID card.
13. Apart from me, who else is eligible for this immunization?
Not only Cognizant associates, but immediate dependents can avail this benefit on a payable basis
14. If my dependents want to go on a working day, do I need to accompany them?
If you & your dependents are unable to go at the same time for the vaccine, your dependents must carry
a xerox copy of your ID card to avail this benefit.
15. How do I register for this vaccination camp?
You would need to call up the Apollo POC (the number mentioned in the mailer) and take a prior
appointment.