First swine flu case reported in Dehradun

Neena Sharma

Tribune News Service

Dehradun, January 13

After a case of swine flu was reported in Dehradun, the district health authorities have stepped up vigil. The patient is undergoing treatment at the Max Hospital and has tested positive for H1NI virus.

In the Doon Hospital, a separate bed has been reserved in case a patient turns up for treatment, “We have appointed Dr Praveen Panwar as nodal officer for tackling swine flu cases,” said Dr RS Aswal, PMS, Doon Hospital.

He said there was no need to panic and advised patients to consult doctors in case of high fever, “ The H1N1 virus spreads in the same way as the seasonal flu and even the symptoms are similar to the symptoms of regular flu which includes fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, vomiting and fatigue,” he said.

In the initial stages, patients respond to rest and isolation. “But, it can be serious for elderly or children with low immunity or people who have health complications like heart diseases, cancer, HIV, diabetes or pregnant women. Infected people can pass the infection to others a day before symptoms develop and up to seven or more days after becoming sick,” said Dr Aswal.