Man dies after testing positive for H1N1 in Shimla
64-year-old Bilaspur resident had serious pre-existing lung disease and pneumonia, says IGMC superintendent
A 64-year-old man from Bilaspur died during treatment at the Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital (IGMC), Shimla, on Sunday after testing positive for H1N1 (swine flu).
The deceased, identified as Ramashish Ram, had been admitted to the hospital on August 13. He tested positive for H1N1 on August 29 and died around 7 am despite treatment.
According to IGMC Superintendent Dr Rahul Rao, the patient was suffering from serious respiratory ailments, including interstitial lung disease (ILD) and lower-lobe pneumonia. He also had other health complications, which contributed to his critical condition.
Dr Rao said the death should not be attributed solely to H1N1, as the patient had serious pre-existing lung disease and pneumonia, along with other complications.
Dr Rao advised people experiencing influenza-like symptoms such as high fever, cough, sore throat or breathing difficulty to seek medical attention promptly. Elderly people and those with pre-existing lung or other serious illnesses have been advised to take extra precautions.
