Woman tests positive for swine flu

Manav Mander

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, December 29

With the dip in temperature, swine flu cases have started coming up in the city.

A 25-year-old woman from Raikot admitted to the Dayanand Medical College and Hospital tested positive for swine flu today. Two more samples have been sent for testing. The strain of virus has changed this year and it attacked during June-July as well. Since then, the department has geared up to tackle the flu.

Dr Rajesh Mahajan from Dayanand Medical College and Hospital said many suspected patients are coming up with the change in temperature. “One woman from Raikot tested positive. Although many samples were sent for testing, only one case tested positive recently. A separate ward with six beds has been set up by the hospital for swine flu patients,” he said.

Dr William Bhatti, Medical Superintendent at the Christian Medical College and Hospital said the hospital had also prepared a separate ward for swine flu patients. Dr Bhatti said they have received all necessary testing kits and masks from the Health Department.

“With the change in strain in virus, the Health Department was alert about swine flu throughout the year. Many cases came forward in June and July, when swine flu was least expected. Now, suspected patients have started coming up and it will be only after observing the trend that we will come to know about the strain,” said Dr Ramesh, District Epidemiologist. A separate ward has also been prepared for swine flu patients at the Civil Hospital.

What is swine flu 

Influenza virus infects the cells lining the nose, throat and lungs. The virus enters the body when one inhales contaminated droplets or transfer live virus from a contaminated surface to eyes, nose or mouth. One cannot catch swine flu from eating pork.

Symptoms 

Fever (but not always), cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, watery, red eyes, body aches, headache, fatigue, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting