Two more swine flu deaths were reported in the Capital on Saturday, taking the toll so far this season to nine.
The city also continues to record a rise in the number of cases with this week registering the maximum number of H1N1 virus cases from the start of the season, despite the Delhi Government’s assurance that swine flu cases are well under control.
The Capital has so far recorded over 300 cases of swine flu and reported 59 new cases on Saturday, a State health official said.
Delhi Health Minister A .K. Walia said that all measures were in place to ensure that patients testing positive for swine flu are offered quick medical care. “The good news is that the severity of the flu compared to 2009 is less. Timely treatment to those at high risk will ensure lower mortality.” While the effect of the illness is often mild those at risk including people with lung, heart, liver, kidney and neurological disease, he said
“Also patients who have had drug treatment for asthma within the past three years, pregnant women, young children and those over 65 years of age are at risk,” Dr. Walia added.
Symptoms of swine flu include high fever, unusual tiredness, headache, runny nose, sore throat, shortness of breath or cough, loss of appetite, aching muscles and diarrhoea or vomiting.
Indian Medical Association member Dr. Anil Bansal said: “The flu-like symptoms can be managed with plenty of rest, drinking adequate water and maintaining good level of hygiene. In case there is no relief and the high fever persists patients should immediately seek medial care.”
Meanwhile, the city on Thursday reported 47 cases of swine flu and one death. Dr. Bansal added that while there was no specific pattern or area from where the cases are being reported, the ‘hot-cold’ weather and the high moisture in the air was making the environment conducive for the spread of the various fevers and flu. “We are seeing a lot of cases of simple fever, cough and cold and the season is specially bad for those with lung diseases, blood pressure problems and heart condition,” he added.
