Now, swine flu spectre over city with rains

 

Mumbai: The wave of swine flu, which hit the country last year, may return to strike the city, data suggests. There have been three deaths in the last 15 days and four people tested positive last week, of whom two are still in the isolation ward in Kasturba Hospital.
    While Nazia Naushad (27), a resident of Alibaug died on May 21 in Sion Hospital, oneyear-old Dhairya Bhatt, a resident of Mulund, died in Kasturba Hospital on May 28. Asiya Sheikh, (24), who delivered a pair of twins on June 2, succumbed to the virus on June 5.
    Civic officials maintain there is no reason for Mumbaikars to panic, but fear the virus may become more active in the monsoon. “The dip in temperature is one reason why the swine flu wave hit India last year. With the monsoon coming, there is likely to be much cooler weather and thus more cases than during the summer,’’ said Dr Pradeep Awate, of the state’s influenza cell.
    “Even though we haven’t seen any cases this season, as the weather changes, there will be a sporadic increase in the number of cases. But it would not be like last year,’’ said chest physician Dr Ashok Mahasur.
    However, the experts say the virus is already there in the atmosphere. “The virus has remained in the atmosphere from the time of the last flu wave and was de-activated by the heat. But with monsoon and a much cooler weather coming up, the virus may get active again,’’ said Dr Daksha Shah, head of epidemiology cell.
    Dr Hemant Thacker for example, is not of the opinion that swine flu would be as much of a menace as it was last year. “The virus is more likely to be active during winter, since it is an air-borne virus. The rain tends to wash out floating organisms, so it is not likely that the virus will pose a threat to Mumbaikars during monsoon,’’ he said.
    Additional municipal commissioner, Manisha Mhaiskar, says there is nothing to worry about. “There is not a great increase in the number of swine flu cases. It is not worse than the normal flu as of now. Even if the situation does worsen, we can revert to all the measures taken last year within 24 hours,’’ she said.
ADVISORY
In case of flu symptoms in high risk people— pregnant women (most susceptible), people with respiratory problems, hypertension or diabetes— go for a swine flu check-up immediately
Do not go out of the house for four to five days if suffering from flu
    Cover your mouth and nose everytime you sneeze or cough with handkerchief or a cloth Keep your surroundings clean and hygienic Keep a healthy diet If cough and cold persists for more than a week, consult a doctor Those suffering from flu should avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth directly Keep a considerable distance from affected people Sleep well Avoid self-medication Do not spit in public