Increase in suspected swine flu cases post rain

Tribune News Service

Bathinda, February 9

The recent spell of rain and subsequent dip in temperature has triggered an increase in the suspected swine flu patients at the paediatrics unit of the Women and Children Hospital in the city.

Notably, there was a considerable decline in the suspected swine flu patients 10-12 days ago but the rain followed by chill in the air resulted in a slight increase in the number of children with suspected H1N1 virus, who visited the government hospital for treatment in the past one week.

According to doctors, after the weather cleared around two weeks ago, there was a substantial decrease in the number of suspected swine flu cases.

However, in the past week, the temperature plummeted again, thereby triggering mild increase in the number of suspected swine flu and viral infection cases again, they said.

The doctors added that residents of the district must not panic as there had been a little increase in the number of patients due to dip in temperature.

The weather is expected to clear in the coming weeks and with the subsequent increase in temperature, the number of suspected swine flu patients would also decrease.

Talking to Bathinda Tribune, Dr Ravikant Gupta said, “With dip in temperature, there has been a little increase in the number of suspected swine flu patients. On an average, we have been prescribing eight-10 children, who have moderate symptoms of swine flu, Tamilfu medication on daily basis for the past five-six days. Earlier, there was slight decline in the patients visiting the OPD. As the temperature is expected to increase in the coming weeks, the number of patients would come down.”

Dr Gupta added, “If the child has high fever persisting for more than five days, coupled with bluish discoloration of nails, drowsiness, breathlessness, irritability, low BP level and refusal to accept feed/food, then there are stern possibilities that the patient has contracted H1N1 virus and immediate medical intervention is required. Children (especially those below five years of age) and people above 65 years have low immunity levels as compared to adults, therefore, they are more vulnerable to the disease.”

Precautions against swine flu

Wash hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub (hand sanitiser).

Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth too often as this can lead to contracting the disease.

Avoid close contact with people who have flu

Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze.

Use disposable tissues instead of a handkerchief if you have a cold and throw the tissue in dustbin after use.

Viruses also spread by droplet infection, which might have deposited on common objects like phones, laptops, common desk and chairs. So, avoid touching too many objects and wash your hands if you do.