Health Dept takes stock of swine flu preparedness

Tribune News Service

Patiala, November 28

The Health Department held a meeting here to review the swine flu (H1N1) preparedness today. Representatives of the Indian Medical Association, government and private health institutions were present on the occasion.

Civil Surgeon Dr Balwinder Singh once again issued guidelines pertaining to the H1N1 preparedness. He informed that all logistics for testing and treatment had been provided to government institutions.

He further informed that all employees, dealing with patients of swine flu, had been vaccinated against the flu. “Isolation wards for swine flu patients have been created at all health institutions. Ventilators have been installed at the Government Rajindra Hospital for swine flu patients.

“As per directions from the National Center for Disease Control (NCDC), swine flu tablet Oseltamavir is now withdrawn from the X category drugs. The tablet can be sold under the schedule H1 drugs and the Cosmetics Act rules so it is readily available with local chemists. Moreover, samples of patients suffering from category C swine flu will be sent to the PGIMER for testing and it is free of cost,” added Dr Balbir.

Dr Gurmeet Singh, district epidemiologist, said awareness regarding swine flu was the key to curb this disease. He differentiated patients on the basis of symptoms into three categories.

Under category A come those patients who suffer from mild fever and cough with or without body ache, headache, diarrhoea and vomiting. They do not require Oseltamivir and should be treated for the symptoms mentioned above. No testing of patients for H1N1 is required. Patients should confine  themselves to their homes and avoid mixing up with the public. 

Under category B come those who apart from category B symptoms, suffer from high fever and severe sore throat. They may require Oseltamivir. In addition to all the signs and symptoms mentioned under category A, children less than 5 years of age, pregnant women, persons aged 65 or above, those suffering from problems related to lungs, heart, liver and kidney blood, diabetes, neurological disorders, cancer and HIV/AIDS need Oseltamivir. No H1N1 test is required and patients need to confine themselves to their homes. 

Under category C, in addition to the above symptoms of categories A and B, if a patient suffers from breathlessness, chest pain, drowsiness, fall in blood pressure, sputum mixed with blood, bluish discolouration of nails, he or she is required to undergo the swine flu test. Such a patient needs hospitalisation. 

Guidelines issued 

Civil Surgeon Dr Balwinder Singh once again issued guidelines pertaining to the H1N1 preparedness. He informed that all logistics for testing and treatment had been provided to government institutions.