H1N1 UPDATE

Swine flu virus strikes again, but not with force

 

Mumbai: Two years ago, many people in the city could be seen going around in masks to avoid getting swine flu. The situation was so serious that patients had to be quarantined. Things have changed now, with doctors saying the threat of the H1N1 virus is no longer potent.
    Still, two people tested positive for the virus on Monday. But healthcare authorities are not giving them any more importance than patients complaining of cough and cold.
    “These are first H1N1 cases in Mumbai in nine months,” said Dr Pradeep Awate, swine flu surveillance officer of Maharashtra. “Across the state, nine cases and one death have been reported in the last three months. But there is nothing to worry about; swine flu is now like any other viral flu.”
    Monday’s patients include a three-year-old girl from Tardeo and a 54-year-old woman from Chandivli. After two days of suffering from cold and fever, the girl was taken to Nair Hospital, Mumbai Central, where doctors treated her for malaria. When her condition remained the same, the hospital sent her nasal swab to the Haffkine Institute for H1N1 tests.
    “We got the confirmatory report on Monday. But we had already started treating her with tamiflu, to which she responded well. Though we have kept her in the ICU, she is not on ventilator. Her condition is not serious,” said Dr Ravi Rananavare, dean, Nair Hospital.
    About the woman from Chandivli, a spokesperson from L H Hiranandani Hospital, Powai, said: “She came to a consultant doctor at our hospital last week with cold and fever. He took her swab, gave her tamiflu and sent her home.”
    Last September, the administering of tamiflu to family members of H1N1-positive people and quarantining the patients was stopped. “The protocol for treating swine flu has changed. As per the new guidelines, issued last year, we no longer treat swine flu as an exception,” said Dr Daksha Shah, head, epidemiology, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation.
    But those in the high-risk group still need to be careful. “Small children, pregnant women or those suffering from hypertension and diabetes should visit a hospital as soon as they can if they suffer from sore throat, chest congestion or breathlessness,” said Dr Shah. “Also, those suffering from cold should cover their nose and mouth while coughing and sneezing and maintain general hygiene.”