Sonam Kapoor tests positive for swine flu, admitted to ICU

Sonam Kapoor, the Bollywood star, has tested positive for swine flu and has been admitted to the ICU of Rajkot hospital.

She was shooting for ‘Prem Ratan Dhan Payo’ in Gondal, in the Rajkot district of Gujarat.

Reports say that the actress had arrived at Rajkot airport and left for Gondal on February 25 and then checked into to Gondal’s Royal Orchard Palace to join Salman Khan and Anupam Kher for the film shoot.

Later, she developed high fever and was taken to Sterling Hospital in Rajkot on Saturday (February 28).

The spokesperson for Sterling Hospital in Rajkot confirmed the actress had tested positive for H1N1 virus.

“She has been admitted to the hospital at around 10 am on Saturday. Dr Chirag Matravadiya, examined her. As the patient had symptoms of cold, fever etc, the doctor recommended her the swine flu test. The lab tests came positive for H1N1 virus in the evening,” news reports said, quoting the hospital spokesperson.

She is under observation, the spokesperson added.

Swine flu, caused by the H1N1 virus, is raging in the northern Indian states of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.

The death toll has crossed the 1,000 mark.

We bring you 10 simple ways to keep swine flu at bay.

1. Recognise the symptoms

The typical symptoms are: high grade fever (anything over 100F), cough, nasal congestion, fatigue, and headache. While all influenza infections are not swine flu, it is best to rush to a recognised hospital if symptoms are severe and persist.

2. Wash your hands frequently

This is the best method of prevention. Washing your hands frequently and thoroughly, preferably with soap, especially after a visit outside your home, is the most effective deterrent to an infection.

3. Gargle twice a day with warm saline solution or a mouth wash

Some doctors recommend this method as simple and effective antidote to contracting swine flu. If preparing the warm saline water is a chore, widely available mouthwashes like Listerine or Colgate, etc, will do as well.

4. Keep yourself as fit as possible to fight the disease

Help your immunity to fight the disease. Get your quota of sleep (8 hours) at the least. Give your body the best chance to resist and fight back an infection.

5. Drink lots of water

Keep your body well hydrated. Drink at least 2 to 3 litres of water a day. This will enable your body to flush out toxins and maintain good moisture and mucous production in your sinuses.

6. Boost your immune system

Eat well and optimally. Whole grains, green leafy vegetables, and foods rich in vitamins will help immensely. Citrus fruits are especially effective. Consider Vitamin C supplements, as they are particularly good at resistance to infections. Avoid eating outside or from places where hygiene is sub-par.

7.  Keep yourself informed

Please make the effort and arm yourself with information on the spread of the disease, local labs and hospitals who are equipped to cure the disease, in case you develop symptoms.

8. Avoid alcoholic stimulants

What is not very well known is that alcohol is a immune suppressant and can come in the way of your body’s natural ability to fight infections, including the H1N1 virus. Best to be on the wagon until the coast is clear.

9. Be physically active

Physical exercise can boost your immune system by increasing circulation of blood and oxygenating the body. The fitter you are, and feel, the better is for prevention.

10. Minimise exposure

Avoid unnecessary exposure to crowded places.  If you do have to, consider surgical face masks available at your local pharmacy.