After spelling a doom last year in Pune, the dangerous H1N1 has attacked the city once again. But this time growing awareness about the H1N1 vaccination is indeed a good sign, say the general practitioners in the city.

The doctors are happy to note that people themselves are taking the initiative and approaching doctors along with their families for vaccination. The president of the Pune chapter of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) Mr. Sharad Agarkhedkar was talking to our correspondent on Sunday. He said, “It’s good to see the increasing level of public awareness regarding the disease. People have experienced the terror of the epidemic last year and don’t want to repeat the same mistakes and hence rushing to the hospitals for vaccination. Prevention is always better than cure. The situation is much better this time.”

There are a few side effects to the vaccines. But they are not at all of a serious nature. After a couple of days of vaccination, there are chances that some people have a mild fever and develop a few rashes here and there. But the person will recover from such fever in two three days. And most importantly if these side effects are compared with the efficacy of the vaccine in combating the H1N1 virus, the side effects seem pretty insignificant.

There are two vaccines available at present. Among them people prefer the intra-nasal one which is prepared by the Pune branch Serum Institute of India. The trained members of the General Practitioners’ Association are counseling the citizens of Pune and the results are impressive.

The spread of the disease can be controlled when herd immunity is developed among the people living in the affected area. The vaccination does help in building this herd immunity. According to the estimations of the National Institute of Virology, about 30% of Pune’s population is able to resist the H1N1 as a result of their exposure to the virus. Another 40 to 50% of the population should go for vaccination. Then only herd immunity can be built.

As a general precaution, the citizens are advised to avoid public places as far as possible. Washing hands with soap at regular intervals of time is a must. If going at public places is inevitable, people must wear masks. And most importantly vaccination is the best way to prevent and control the spread of the virus. However the NGOs and other organizations working for social welfare are advised not to organize vaccination camps on open spaces.

- Yogesh Sapre