City boy, woman from Jagadhri test positive for swine flu

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, February 14

An 18-year-old boy from Sector 26 has become the first H1N1 patient from the city this year. An 85-year-old woman from Jagadhri has also tested positive for swine flu.

The boy had visited Amritsar with his family nearly a week ago where he fell ill. His condition worsened four days ago following which he was rushed to the PGI where he tested positive for the H1N1 virus, said Dr Gaurav Aggarwal, nodal officer.

The boy has been kept on the life support system. The condition of the octogenarian woman from Jagadhri is also stated to be serious. She was kept on oxygen after she complained of difficulty in breathing.

Meanwhile, there is no improvement in the condition of 50-year-old Patiala resident Amrik Singh, who was also detected with swine flu.

The Heath Department today carried out prophylactic treatment of patients and persons who came in contact with the boy.

The city had witnessed the first swine flue death two days ago. The victim, Tersem Singh (40) of Kharar, had come in contact with the virus nearly two weeks ago. On February 9, he was rushed to the PGI in a critical condition where he died on February 12.

Health advisory

• Try to keep away from mass gatherings if you have fever or sore throat
• In case of fever, sore throat and difficulty in breathing, immediately consult your nearest government hospital
• Take a healthy diet
• Take adequate rest
• Maintain personal hygiene by washing hands properly
• Cover your nose and mouth while coughing or sneezing
• If visiting any affected person, maintain some distance

What is prophylactic treatment

A preventive measure taken to fend off a disease or another unwanted consequence. The treatment is designed and used to prevent a disease from occurring.  In the case of swine flu, prophylactic treatment is followed to prevent its spread to other members of the family.