GITAM Institute of Pharmacy, GITAM University, Visakhapatnam organized a seminar on 'Challenges in the Medical Management of Swine Flu' recently at Pharmacy Bhavan, GITAM University Campus.

At the seminar, professor P M Valli, registrar, GITAM University; professor P Suresh, principal & dean, GITAM Institute of Pharmacy; professor T Satyanarayana, principal, AU College of Pharmacy; and Dr J Sarojini of District Medical & health officer shared information about swine flu.

Professor Suresh highlighted the various facets of swine fly, which has become a cause of global concern. He also stressed that prevention is better than cure and hence all possible precautions should be practised.

While professor Satyanarayana gave information that the herbal remedies which are available from most commonly used plants like tulasi can stimulate the immune system to better combat the effects of the flu. He also threw light on availability of various herbal formulations like amla, tulasi, garlic, turmeric powder which are known to enhance the body immunity system.

Dr Sarojini made a presentation on Influenza A(H1N1), national and international reported cases and deaths, WHO phases of pandemic alert, categorization of the cases, specimens collection and testing, personal protective equipment, epidemiology, incubation period, communicability, host factors, prophylaxis, treatment, screening centres, IEC activities apart from generation prevention measures.