The State capital has registered a sudden spurt in cases of swine flu in the last fortnight with 25 positive cases being reported from different corporate hospitals. The total number of swine flu cases this year has touched the mark of 45.
Health authorities, however, allay apprehensions about the incidence becoming a public health hazard.
Three fatalities due to complications from swine flu occurred in January. “There is absolutely no need to panic because H1N1 is not virulent anymore. Public should continue to take precautions as usual,” says swine flu coordinator and senior chest physician K. Subhakar.
Doctors maintain that the H1N1 virus is not as ‘active' as it used to be and assured that it will not become a public health scare. Physicians said that already the H1N1 virus had become indigenous but it would not pose any major health complications.
“Maintaining hygiene, washing hands, cough etiquette and vaccines for those whose immunity is compromised are simple measures to avoid swine flu. One must keep in mind that the H1N1 virus is not virulent like it used to be when it broke out in 2010,” Dr. Subhakar added.
Vaccines available
Persons with diabetes, blood pressure, kidney and heart ailments, pregnant women and children can opt for vaccines, which are available privately. “In case any body wants to get vaccinated, he/she has to do it under strict medical guidance. Vaccines will not be given at government hospitals because it is not a pandemic,” authorities said.
