One dies of swine flu

Manav Mander

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, January 15

A 70-year-old man, who was admitted to Rajindra Hospital, Patiala, died of swine flu today. The deceased belonged to Manpur village in Ludhiana district. This is the first death due to swine flu in 2018.

Several city hospitals are receiving suspected cases of swine flu every day. The Health Department has kept its fingers crossed and is hoping that the maximum temperature rises. District Epidemiologist Dr Ramesh said once the maximum temperature rises, the cases would subside.

“With the change in the strain of the virus last year, cases were reported during the summer season as well. The graph of the cases reported during the winter season has gone down this year. Although many suspected cases are coming up in the city hospitals, not many are testing positive,” he said.

On the other hand, those dealing in alternate medicine system, advise consuming herbs such as giloy, amla and tulsi to keep the flu at bay. “The key is to increase the body’s immunity. One should eat an amla every day as it is a rich source of Vitamin C and also helps in building immunity. Giloy also helps in building immunity and tulsi if consumed regularly in raw form or boiled in water, milk or tea helps in keeping cough and cold at bay and hence flu as well,” said Shiv Gupta, an Ayurveda expert.

All leading city hospitals have formed separate swine flu wards and beds have been reserved for patients suffering from swine flu.

Symptoms 

Fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, watery, red eyes, body aches, headache, fatigue, nausea and vomiting

Precautions 

• Stay home if sick
• Wash hands thoroughly 
• Contain coughs and sneezes 
• Avoid contact