The Haryana government has recently brought the spotlight on a notable commitment to public health, launching both the ‘H1N1 Vaccination Campaign for Healthcare Workers’ and a Hepatitis-B control programme. These programmes aim to significantly improve health and safety measures for the general public as well as healthcare workers, who are currently at heightened risk due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
H1N1 Vaccination Campaign for Healthcare Workers
With India typically seeing two peak periods of H1N1 infection, between January to March and post-monsoon from August to October, vaccination against H1N1 has been recognised as a crucial precautionary measure. Notably, healthcare workers bear the brunt of managing various viral outbreaks, including the current pandemic, hence their health safety is a top priority for the government.
Since 2016, around 85,000 individuals in India have been infected with the H1N1 virus, resulting in approximately 4,900 deaths. The Haryana government’s H1N1 Vaccination Campaign aims to mitigate this health crisis by vaccinating roughly 13,000 health workers across the state. Each vaccine is a single dose and effective for a period of one year.
Hepatitis-B Control Programme
The government has also introduced the Hepatitis-B control programme under the umbrella of the National Viral Hepatitis Control programme. Given that hepatitis is a leading cause of liver cancer, cirrhosis of the liver, and acute liver failure, the programme’s goal is both to prevent and treat this serious health condition. As part of the National Health Mission, the programme exemplifies the state’s dedication to improving public health.
Understanding Swine Flu
The H1N1 virus, commonly known as the “swine flu virus”, causes an infection of the respiratory tract. Swine flu, which earned its name due to previous incidences primarily affecting people in contact with pigs, can exhibit common flu symptoms such as cough, nasal secretions, fever, loss of appetite, fatigue, and headache.
The virus is primarily spread through short-distance airborne transmission, especially in crowded and enclosed spaces. Hand contamination and direct contact are secondary possible sources of virus transmission.
About Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a viral infection that targets the liver, causing both acute and chronic diseases. The virus is typically transmitted from mother to child during birth and delivery or through contact with blood or other body fluids. As the primary cause of liver cancer, Hepatitis B is a serious health threat.
Fortunately, the disease can be prevented by vaccines that are known to be safe, available, and effective. Every year, the 28th of July is celebrated as World Hepatitis Day to raise awareness of this disease. Remarkably, Hepatitis B is one of only four diseases – alongside HIV-AIDS, tuberculosis (TB), and malaria – for which the World Health Organization (WHO) officially endorses disease-specific global awareness days.
