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@#Introduction: The world is currently experiencing the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) [COVID-19], however, this is not a new phenomenon; it occurred in 2009-2010 in the form of novel influenza A. (H1N1). The H1N1 virus primarily afflicted people between the ages of 26 and 50, but SARS-CoV-2 primarily afflicted those over the age of 60, increasing the number of deaths owing to their weakened immunity. The report provides a case study of the impact of H1N1 and SARS-CoV-2 in India. Methods: Data is obtained from The Hindustan Times newspaper, GoI press releases and World Health Organization (WHO) reports. Results: The incidence rate was initially low and it was only by the 10-15th week that it started increasing. There is an initial upward trend before levelling out followed by a second wave and third wave. COVID-19 exhibited a steeper growth, where the steps taken by the Government were ineffective leading to higher death cases. Kerala was affected due to the travellers returning from the Middle East, while Maharashtra and Delhi saw large incidence rates due to the migrant influx and communal gathering. Conclusion: The most effective and practical approach is to test the symptomatic patients and aggressive testing to contain the transmission. Awareness campaigns to educate the public about social distancing and personal hygiene is more practical. There is still scope of improvement with regards to the public health care support, preparedness and response. Lockdown measures could have been avoided if the initial screening was conducted properly.
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Background: The knowledge, attitude and behavior of the public during an infectious outbreak is important for individual protection as well as to control the spread of the disease in community. The knowledge, attitude and practices regarding Swine Flu and the correlation between Knowledge and Practices regarding Swine Flu among the parents/guardians accompanying the children attending the pediatric department of KGMCH, Nagercoil was investigated in this study.Method: This cross sectional study was conducted among the parents/guardians accompanying the children attending the pediatric department of KGMCH after the epidemic situation. After obtaining written informed consent, participants were interviewed personally through predesigned and pre-tested questionnaire to elicit information regarding awareness of Swine Flu. All data were analysed using SPSS 25 software.Results: Of the 200 people included in the study, 117 (58.5%) knew that it was a viral disease. Of all the participants, 97(48.5%) knew about the respiratory mode of transmission. Only 28% knew about the hand washing to prevent transmission. Around 93% participants told fever as major symptoms and 71% told cough as a major symptom.55% of the participants were scared regarding the deadly nature of the disease. Only 12.5% of the participants practiced hand washing as a preventive measure. Correlation between Knowledge and practice was weakly positive (Pearson correlation 0.252).Conclusion: Knowledge regarding swine flu was average among the study population. TV, friends news channels and Health care workers were found to be the most common sources of information. Lack of awareness regarding key focus areas like hand washing as a preventive measure is of serious concern.
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Background: The study was conducted in the Urban slum area, Shekpet, Hyderabad, India which is the field practice area of Apollo Medical college.Methods: The aims was to study the awareness regarding symptoms, mode of spread and preventive measures of swine flu in the study population and to study the sources of information and health care seeking pattern of the population. Pre-designed questionnaire was used to collect information onsocio -demographic characteristics (age, sex, education and occupation), knowledge and awareness about the disease (nature, mode of spread/transmission, clinical features, preventive measures and precautions).Results: Majority were unaware of spread of Swine Flu from Pigs. 32% of them said it spreads through coughing and 27% through sneezing. About 15% of them said it spreads by sharing same room.Conclusions: The cross sectional study, was taken up during the recent outbreak of Swine flu in Hyderabad. Knowledge, Attitude and Prevention practices of the infection, was carried out in the urban slum of Shaikpet area the study will create awareness of the disease and its preventive measures among the people. Thus, it would reduce the incidence of occurrences of the disease in future.
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Background: Influenza-like illness is a self-limiting non-specific acute respiratory illness characterized by common clinical features including fever, chills, malaise, headache, coughing, nausea, loss of appetite, and generalized weakness. Influenza A H1N1 is an important cause of ILI because it can lead to serious complications requiring hospitalization. Swine flu infection rates usually higher during the winter season in temperate regions. Objectives: This study is designed to analyze the demographic data of different ILI categories including seasonal trend of H1N1-related ILI in the patients attending a teaching hospital to know the spread and severity of diseases in Southern Rajasthan in India. Materials and Methods: It is a hospital-based retrospective study in which epidemiological and demographic data of all the patients attended swine flu outpatient departments, isolation wards, and intensive care unit were obtained and analyzed. All patients of ILI-B and ILI-C categories were tested for real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results: Of 3933 patients, 2686 (68.29%) patients were categorized in ILI-A, 724 (18.41%) patients were in ILI-B, and remaining 523 (13.30%) patients were in ILI-C. Overall, swine positivity among ILI-B and ILI-C categories was significantly (<0.05) higher in females than male and extremely statistically significant (P < 0.0001) higher in rural areas than urban. It was found that the transmission of influenza H1N1 peaked during winter season and affected the individuals of all age groups with high incidence in those aged 16–30 and 31–45 years. Conclusions: The higher incidence of H1N1 winter season emphasizes the need of special preventive and public health measures before the start of winter season. Information, education, and communication activities need to be strengthened specially for the rural people who were affected more in the present outbreak.
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Background: Swine flu influenza is an infection by H1N1 type of swine influenza virus. Swine influenza virus or swine-origin influenza virus (SIV or S-OIV) is a strain of the family of influenza viruses that’s endemic in swine (pigs). Early diagnosis and treatment is key approach to control the morbidity and mortality associated with swine flu which can be achieved by improving health seeking behaviour of community. Understanding of behaviour of community is essential for planning strategies for prevention and control. Aim of this study is to establish a relation between healthcare interval and outcome of swine flu.Methods: A complete data of all the patients visiting swine flu OPDs, swine flu wards and ICU were maintained for year 2015. Each patient visiting either the swine flu OPD or the swine flu ward, who was suspected clinically to be H1N1 positive were tested for real time PCR. Data was collected in a standardized pre-structured questionnaire.Results: Out of 1247 samples tested for rt-PCR, number of patients found to be swine positive was 491 (39.37%). Total 267 patients were admitted in swine flu ward and ICU, out of them 62 was expired. Clinical care intervals of more than 5 days from onset of symptoms to swab collection, diagnosis and admission were more in female and rural population. Mean duration between onset of symptom to hospitalization, swab collection and diagnosis was significantly higher in deceased patients than survived.Conclusions: Early presentation to healthcare facility is associated with better prognosis and outcome. After patient report to the health care setup, early sample collection and diagnosis help to reduce mortality.
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A 10-year-old boy admitted for high-grade fever and pneumonia developed left preseptal and early orbital cellulitis, unresponsive to higher intravenous antibiotics. He received oseltamivir, on testing positive for H1N1 virus on the nasopharyngeal and throat swabs. There was dramatic improvement with resolution of orbital cellulitis within 24 h of starting oseltamivir. We report a very rare presentation of pediatric orbital cellulitis secondary to systemic H1N1 infection. Prompt investigations and timely treatment with oseltamivir aided in complete resolution, avoiding vision and life-threatening complications.
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Background: Most of the studies on swine flu H1N1 have been done during the pandemic phase. There was a sudden upsurge in virus activity in 2015 at many centers in India. The present study was designed to assess the current status and pattern of H1N1 infection. The primary objective of this study is to study the clinical profile of patients admitted with Swine-origin influenza A (H1N1) virus infection and Secondary objective is to study the clinical outcome in terms of morbidity and mortality.Methods: This was a retrospective observational study done at a tertiary care centre from March 2015 to April 2016. All admitted and confirmed cases of H1N1 swine flu infection were studied for demographic details, co-existing medical conditions and clinical presentation. Data regarding the course of disease, complications, treatments and outcomes were recorded from the clinical record.Results: Common presenting symptoms were cough and fever (95%). Common findings were fever (62.5%), tachycardia, tachypnea and crepitation on auscultation (58.5%). Associated comorbidities were Diabetes mellitus (19.5%), Chronic kidney disease (17%), immunosuppression (9.8%). Consolidation was seen in nearly half of the patients on radiological imaging. Complications noted in our patients were pneumonia (45%), respiratory failure (31%) and ARDS (14.6%). Seventeen percent of patients required non-invasive and invasive mechanical ventilation. Around 25 percent of cases, required ICU admission while two patients died during the hospital stay.Conclusions: The study emphasizes and restates the morbidities caused by H1N1 swine influenza infection as nearly half of the patients in this study experienced severe illness and complications.
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Background: Influenza, commonly referred to as the flu, is an infectious disease caused by RNA viruses of the family Orthomyxoviridae (the influenza viruses). Swine flu cases resurfaced in month of January 2015 in Southern region of India which are continuation of pandemic 2009. Aim of this study is to summaries the clinical and epidemiological factors associated with swine flu as well as to estimate the burden of Influenza A H1N1 (Swine Flu) cases.Methods: A complete data of all the patients visiting swine flu OPDs, swine flu wards and ICU were maintained for year 2015. Each patient visiting either the swine flu OPD or the swine flu ward, who was suspected clinically to be H1N1 positive were tested for real time PCR.Results: Out of 1247 samples tested for rt-PCR 491 (39.37%) cases were identified as positive for H1N1. Maximum swine positivity was seen in the age group of 16-30 year i.e. 147 (29.94%). Overall swine positivity was significantly (<0.001) higher in females than male and extremely statistically significant (p<0.0001) higher in rural areas than urban. Cough was the most common clinical symptoms affecting 469(95.52%) patients followed by fever (92.26%) and breathlessness 402(81.87%).Conclusions: Our study will help epidemiologist and clinician to identify epidemiological factors and clinical picture of swine flu.
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Background: Mortality profile is an analytical tool used to identify the various factors responsible for poor outcome of disease and it can also use to evaluate quality and efficiency of healthcare providers. The aim of this study is to summarise the clinical and epidemiological factors as well as to identify the risk factors associated with mortality among swine flu cases.Methods: It is a cross-sectional, descriptive, hospital-based study conducted on 62 deceased patients due to swine flu reported at Maharana Bhupal Government Hospital, Udaipur, Rajasthan during the outbreak of influenza A H1N1 in the year 2015. A standardized pre-structured questionnaire with consent was filled by help of bed head tickets and by interview of attendants of deceased patients.Results: Deaths were higher among age group of 31-45 years (35.48%). Case fatality rate for male patients (13.88%) was higher. Mortality was highest in females of rural background 27(43.55%). Majority of deceased patients (70.97%) had delay of 4-7 days in admission after onset of symptoms. Diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and pregnancy was the major risk factors for poor outcome.Conclusions: Delay in diagnosis and admission may be the reason for higher mortality rate. The most common co morbid illness was Diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases (Ischemic heart disease, Rheumatic heart disease, Hypertension) and pregnancy.
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Background: By simple hygiene and sanitation measures for cough, swine flu transmission can be effectively prevented. The purpose of this study was to know whether the people had enough knowledge about swine flu (H1N1) and to assess their knowledge about possible preventive measures to be taken including vaccination against swine flu epidemics.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted during November to December 2018. 200 residents were surveyed.Results: In our study, 196 (98%) of respondents were aware of swine flu infection, 170 (85%) of respondents knew that swine flu is due to viral infection while 130 (65%) of respondents were aware that swine flu infection spreads through air while sneezing and coughing. 192 (96%) of respondents knew fever as symptom of swine flu, 166 (83%) of respondents knew cough and cold as symptoms while 128 (64%) of respondents knew headache and body ache as symptoms. 188 (94%) of respondents were aware that vaccination against Swine flu can prevent swine flu infection. 160 (80%) of respondents knew that covering mouth and nose while coughing and sneezing can prevent spread of Swine flu infection while 104 (52%) of respondents knew that frequent hand washing helps in preventing spread of Swine flu infection.Conclusions: The present review concluded that majority of the respondents had substantial knowledge regarding swine flu, yet there were notable deficiencies regarding the transmission, preventive measures and availability of vaccine. There is need for appropriate training regarding infectious diseases and continuous education programs.
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Background: Swine flu is an acute highly contagious respiratory disease caused by influenza A (H1N1) virus. After 2009 pandemic, seasonal epidemics occurred in 2015 and 2017 usually in rainy season in India. Educational institutes are the centres of high transmission and creating awareness only can arrest the spread. Hence this study was carried out to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices regarding Swine flu and improve their knowledge.Methods: A health educational interventional study done on 202 eighth and ninth standard school students of Zilla Parishad High School, Kallur, Kurnool district during October and November, 2018 on obtaining informed consent, using a self administered questionnaire. Data entered in Microsoft excel version 2007, analysed and presented in proportions and chi square test of significance using SPSS version 23.Results: 66.8 percent and 68.8 percent of the students heard and knew about viral swine flu respectively. Good knowledge of mode of spread, symptoms and availability of treatment, vaccination and preventive measures regarding swine flu was seen. The gaps in their knowledge levels were successfully filled by health educational intervention. More than 70 percent of students were using hand kerchief and masks in crowded places, willing to approach government facilities for treatment.Conclusions: Extensive mass educational campaigns should be conducted as containment of the spread of the disease can solely be done by making people knowledgeable. Government authorities should train health workers, assistants and teachers and utilise mass and social media to create awareness, thus declining the incidence of the seasonal epidemics.
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Background: The first isolation of a swine influenza virus from a human occurred in 1974. There are no unique clinical features that distinguish swine influenza in humans from typical influenza. Thus, clinical course and management were recorded as per a planned pro forma and analysed. This type of study has not been done previously in Himalayan region.Methods: Retrospective observational study done in a group of patients diagnosed with swine flu admitted in department of pulmonary medicine at the tertiary care hospital from November 2016 to July 2017.Results: Out of 30 patients, 53.3% were male, mean age was 48.8±17.7, history of travel or contact to infected person was only 13.3%. Most common symptom recorded was fever (83.3%), followed by dyspnoea, cough, throat pain. Most common co-morbidity was diabetes and presence were significantly associated with admission in an ICU (P<0.05). Bilateral lung infiltrate seen in 53.3% on chest X-ray. Organ involved other than respiratory were renal followed by liver involvement. 40% of patients received corticosteroid for an average of 6days, mostly given in patients with sepsis, septic shock, multi organ involvement. Out of 40%, 16.6% patient expired, 6.6% left against medical advice and 16.6% were discharged, corticosteroid doesn’t help in reducing mortality.Conclusions: A multivariate model to identify independent predictors associated with mortality in swine flu were the use of vasopressor, respiratory failure, requirement of mechanical ventilation and number of organ failure. Use of corticosteroid is controversial.
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Oseltamivir was approved for the prevention and treatment of influenza in 1999 by the USFDA (US Food and Drug Administration). The use of Oseltamivir is increasing rapidly all over the world, especially after the 2009 “Swine Flu” pandemic. Less data is published as far as the cardiovascular side effects of Oseltamivir are concerned, but it could be associated with some serious cardiovascular side effects. This study presented a case series of 5 cases suspected to be suffering from seasonal influenza H1N1 (“Swine Flu”), who developed sinus bradycardia while they were on Oseltamivir therapy.
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BACKGROUND: Influenza is truly an international disease. It occurs in all countries and affects millions of people every year. The Influenza A H1N1 in humans can be a mild illness or in some people it may result in serious, even life-threatening complications such as pneumonia, acute bronchitis, worsening of chronic conditions, respiratory failure and death. OBJECTIVE:- [1]To study profile of suspected cases of H1N1 in less a more than 60 years of patients admitted in the swine flu isolation ward of tertiary care centre at S.M.S. Medical College & Attached Hospitals, jaipur, [2]To study the variation in clinical presentation if any METHODOLOGY:This was a cross sectional observational study carried out in jaipur district of Rajasthan state, India. All suspected H1N1 virus infected 150 cases admitted in the swine flu isolation ward of tertiary care centre at S.M.S. Medical College & Attached Hospitals, jaipur during the period of 1st January to 31th December,2015 after taking verbal and written consent of the patients were enrolled in study. Before conducting the study approval was obtained from institutional ethical committee for human research.Data safety and confidentiality was also given due consideration. A predesigned semi-structured Performa was used. Detailed demographic and clinical data were recorded.Data was statistically analyzed using SPSS 24 software RESULTS: Out of total 150 cases, 88(58.67%) were >60 years of age groups as compared to 62 cases (41.33%) were <60 years of age. No significant difference was observed according to gender among the groups. Males were more 1.526 times in >60 years of age group as compared to females, 1.526 (0.794 to 2.933).Slightly higher in rural area as compared to urban as Odds ratio (95% Cl)1.260(0.650 to 2.443). According to clinical features fever cough coryza, headache diarrhea were observed more in >60 years of age groups as compared to <60 years of age group. Shortness of breath was less in >60 years of age groups as compared to <60 years of age group (P=0.016S) TLC <4000, <1.4 PLT was less in >60 years of age groups as compared to <60 years of age group (14.29 % vs 85.71%) (P<0.001S). RT PCR (1=positive) was 17.33% in >60 years as compared to 82.67% in <60% years. (P<0.001S).The Wald criteria demonstrated that TLC<4000 and platelet count <1lakh The difference was statistically significant (P<0.05) CONCLUSIONS: Influenza H1N1 infection was more common in older age group, more common in rural areas as compared to urban areas. During this epidemic almost 50% of H1N1 positive cases were in severe category and required ICU care and mechanical ventilation and they all had significant respiratory involvement in form of pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and respiratory failure with high mortality rate even at tertiary care hospital
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Background: Swine flu is an infective disease caused by any one of the several types of Influenza viruses. The world saw its first pandemic of swine flu this century in the year 2009 when the WHO raised a world-wide pandemic alert to level 6 on June 11, 2009. In India, first few cases (index cases) of swine flu were reported from Pune, Maharashtra. The most recent outbreak of this dreaded infection was reported during late winter of 2015.Methods: The present study was retrospective study. In order to collect the data, we reviewed medical charts of patients who were hospitalized in our hospital during the study period. Diagnosis of swine flu was confirmed after sending the blood-samples to Government approved laboratories in Pune and Mumbai. Real time, Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) method was employed for serological diagnosis. Forty-five confirmed cases of swine flu were included in this retrospective study. The primary objective of this study was to highlight the differences in the clinical profile as well as outcome between the patients who survived the attack of swine flu and those who did not.Results: Forty-five of these patients tested positive for H1N1 amounting to a positivity rate of 52.94%. Cough (93.3%) was the most common symptom followed by fever (88.8%) and breathlessness (82.2%). Patients who did not survive were more likely to have associated co-morbid conditions like Hypertension, Diabetes, cardio-vascular disease, pre-existing lung disease and pregnancy though this was not statistically significant ( p=0.189). Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), Multi-Organ Dysfunction (MOD) and secondary bacterial infections were among the most common conditions that lead to death.Conclusions: Early detection of swine flu through meticulous screening in the community with a high index of suspicion followed by prompt and adequate treatment can go a long way in preventing another pandemic. Creating awareness among the lay people about personal as well as public hygiene is also vital to prevent the spread of this viral illness.
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AIM:To study the clinical profile of H1N1 positive patients admitted in Swine flu ward in NSCB Medical College, Jabalpur in outbreak of 2015. MATERIALS & METHODS: All H1N1 positive patients admitted in NSCB MCH, Jabalpur were analysed retrospectively with respect to morbidity and mortality and possible clinical conclusions were derived. RESULTS: Of 64 H1N1 positive patients, 23 died. Cough, fever & dyspnoea were main symptoms in all patients including those under mortality group. Those with a duration of stay in hospital >10 days had least mortality. Highest mortality seen in patients with duration of stay between 1-10 days. 40 (62.5%) of 64 patients had some co-existing illness of which Anemia & DM were most common. 16 (69.5%) out of 23 patients who died had some co-existing illness of which DM was associated with 9 patients, Anaemia with 8 & Hypertension with 7 patients. 25 (39%) of 64 patients developed some complications of which ARDS & encephalopathy had higher mortality as compared to Renal failure & MODS. Of 23 patients who died, 18 (78%) developed some complication. CONCLUSION: Knowing the potential of Influenza virus for genetic mutations, it is difficult to find a stereotype pattern of illness as also documented by studies done in past. Good clinical skills always carry high value in suspecting & defining H1N1 infection & its complications. Co-existing illness must be taken special care of during an outbreak of Swine flu. Community education, timely immunization of those at high risk & early referral can save many lives
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Swine flu is a disease of great concern but warrants no panic. General public and some medical professionals consider Swine flu as highly fatal disease with universal mortality. We present here ten cases of category C Swine flu cases admitted during a period of one month with good outcome. We analysed their symptoms, clinical signs, prehospital treatment, time lapsed before admission, time taken for symptomatic improvement and duration of hospital stay. We also categorized co-morbid conditions and outcomes. Variations in laboratory findings and chest X-ray abnormalities were discussed. Patients were followed up for three months for evidence of any residual disease and requirement of readmission. Restlessness is the most useful sign to pick up a case of H1N1 from other similar illnesses.
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Background: Influenza is truly an international disease. It occurs in all countries and affects millions of people every year. The Influenza A H1N1 in humans can be a mild illness or in some people it may result in serious, even life-threatening complications such as pneumonia, acute bronchitis, worsening of chronic conditions, respiratory failure and death. Objective: To study profile of confirmed H1N1 virus infected patients of Category “C” admitted in the swine flu isolation ward of tertiary care hospitals of Baroda District, Gujarat, India. Methods: This was a cross sectional observational study carried out in Baroda district of Gujarat state, India. All confirmed H1N1 virus infected 54 patients in Category “C” admitted in the swine flu isolation ward of both Government and private hospitals of Baroda district during the period of 1st January to 30th June, 2013 after taking verbal and written consent of the patients were enrolled in study. Before conducting the study approval was obtained from institutional ethical committee for human research. Data safety and confidentiality was also given due consideration. A predesigned semi-structured Performa was used. Detailed demographic and clinical data were recorded. Data was statistically analyzed using SPSS software (trial version). Results: Out of total 54 influenza A H1N1 cases, 23 patients (42.59%) were males. 4 (12.91%) female patients were pregnant. Majority (75%) of the cases were between 21-50 years of age group. Majority (90.7%) of the patients were from urban areas. Majority cases (94.4%) presented with cough, followed by 36 cases (66.7%) exhibiting high grade fever, 35 Cases (64.8%) had complain of breathlessness and 25 cases(46.3%) presented with sore throat. 19 cases (35%) had co-morbid condition with the influenza A H1N1 disease. In this study among patients with associated Comorbid condition, 16(84%) were discharged and only 3(16%) patients died. Whereas among patients without Comorbid condition, 29(83%) were discharged and 6(17%) died. This difference was not statistically significant (p=0.940).15 cases (27%) required ventilator support. Mortality of 9 cases (17%) occurred in the given duration of study and rest of cases 45(83%) were discharged from the hospital. Out of 54 cases, 4 cases had diabetes mellitus and from that 3 case were died. The difference was statistically significant (p=0.012). Conclusions: Influenza A H1N1 infection predominantly affects young age and equally affecting both genders. One fourth of total cases had severe illness and required ventilator support. Majority of patients died within 8 day of critical illness. All deaths were reported from urban area. Most common symptom in fatal cases of influenza A H1N1 was cough followed by breathlessness, high grade fever, mild fever and sore throat and the most common co morbidity was Diabetes Mellitus.
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During recent Influenza A H1N1(swine flu) outbreak the current study was undertaken to assess knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) of rural population of Jammu region regarding swine flu. 270 participants were administered a pre-designed and pre-tested questionnaire consisting of 26 questions evaluating KAP. Overall knowledge score was 62.9%. More than 90% had heard of swine flu, knew prevalent season and had knowledge of disease symptoms. However, knowledge about preventing vaccine was low (27.7%). Overall attitude score was 79.5%. Higher number of the participants expressed willingness to seek more knowledge about disease prevention , though half of them were not satisfied with health authorities efforts. The total practice rate was 60%.Preference for nutritious diet and willingness to use tissue/handkerchief was over 80% ,but only 40% expressed willingness to use mask. On most of the parameters of KAP, there was no difference on gender basis except for swine flu treatment ,panic reaction and preference for herbal medication in females. The current study found good KAP regarding swine flu in the rural area of Jammu. However, unwillingness to use mask, dissatisfaction with health agencies and lack of knowledge about population at risk is a matter of concern.
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Abstracts: Background: Medical and paramedical health workers are especially vulnerable to swine flu infection as they come in regular contact with patients. They can also serve as important channels for communication of swine flu awareness to the general population. This study was carried out to find out the knowledge, attitude and practices amongst the nursing students of a tertiary care centre. Methodology: A hospital based cross sectional study carried out in February 2015 amongst the students of nursing college affiliated to a tertiary care centre in Ahmedabad. A pretested questionnaire was given to the students with multiple choice questions regarding swine flu virus, its symptoms, prevention etc. Results: A total of 108 students responded to the questionnaire. Of these maximum 76% respondents had received information from hospital. Majority of respondents knew about causative organism. Cough(81%), cold(93%) and fever(77%) were believed to be the commonest symptoms of swine flu. Handwashing as a preventive measure was known to only 45% while use of mask was known to 90%. 43% knew about vaccine availability and 83% were scared of swine flu commonest reasons being fear of death and fast spread. Conclusion : In the present study hospital, TV and newspapers were the major sources of information. It is therefore essential that these media spread correct information amongst the general population as well as the paramedical workers who are at risk for swine flu. The paramedical staff’s confidence and active participation thus remains critical in enforcing any prevention and control strategy against the disease. Paramedical workers had good knowledge, attitude and practice regarding swine flu in the current study. This should be utilized to spread knowledge and awareness amongst the general population.12 Focus on key areas like hand washing with soap and water and availability of vaccine, knowledge regarding which was lacking in the present study, should be immediately addressed. This represents the mass hysteria and panic amongst the general population regarding the disease and its prevention. It needs to be explained that swine flu, with proper precautions can be prevented and epidemic can be controlled through awareness and correct practices.