Govt issues alert after rise in swine flu cases

Govt issues alert after rise in swine flu cases
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Highlights

The Andhra Pradesh government has issued an alert along with Telangana, Delhi and Gujrat, which are witnessing a steep rise in swine flu cases.So far 60 deaths have been recorded in the country in 2015.

The Andhra Pradesh government has issued an alert along with Telangana, Delhi and Gujrat, which are witnessing a steep rise in swine flu cases.So far 60 deaths have been recorded in the country in 2015.

Telengana is the worst hit with around 500 cases and 17 deaths. The national capital is also witnessing a steep rise, with over 300 cases and five deaths.31 people have succumbed to the virus in Rajasthan and the State has 115 positive cases. The virus has claimed 22 lives in Gujarat and the number of positive cases have reached 170 in 2015.In Hyderabad, around two dozen frontline health workers have been treated for swine flu after accidentally coming into contact with infected patient.

Dr Narendra Nath, Director NIMS, Hyderabad, said, "The virus which was lying dormant has suddenly become active. Unusual drop in temperature is the reason.There is a decrease in cases, less fresh cases are coming. We are not lowering our guard but nothing to panic."

"In a majority of the cases, swine flu symptoms are like that of a regular flu and can be easily managed at home.People with underlying health complications like asthma, pregnancy and heart, lung and kidney ailments, face the risk of complications," Nath added.

Dr Behram Padriwalla, Internal Medicine Specialist, Wockhardt Hospital (Mumbai) said, "Antiviral medicine Tamiflu is needed in respiratory distress.It remains effective since there has been no mutation."

The Indian Medical Association has written to the health ministry pointing out that seasonal flu is far more fatal than H1N1.To put things in perspective, swine flu kills one in 10 lakh people annually as opposed to the one in a lakh by seasonal flu annually.

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