While acknowledging the possibility of the presence of a virulent form of swine flu virus circulating in Hyderabad and elsewhere, health care workers on Wednesday urged the general public not to panic. Precautions and vaccination, at least for high-risk groups, are the best ways to avoid getting bogged down by any kind of flu virus during the winter, experts said.
“The flu virus could be virulent this year. However, even the temperatures have reduced considerably this year, which has ensured that the flu virus circulates in the air for a longer period of time. It’s always better that pregnant women, diabetics, kidney and heart patients, and even children, get their flu shots this year,” suggests swine flu co-ordinator and senior chest physician K. Subhakar.
Doctors have also clarified that the virus has become indigenous, which means that there is no need for those in close contact with swine flu positive patients to be given preventive or prophylaxis treatment.
“There is enough stock of medicines to fight any kind of flu in Hyderabad. There is no need for the public to panic. They should watch out for symptoms, and in case they persist even after 48 hours, then they should contact a doctor,” advises Dr. Subhakar.
There are around four pharma companies providing trivalent flu vaccines in Hyderabad. These vaccines provide protection for a whole year from three viruses, including swine flu virus. Each dose of trivalent vaccine at present is being retailed anywhere between Rs.595 and Rs.650 per dose, with chances of further reduction of prices if procured in bulk.
“Pregnant women, senior citizens and even children who are prone towards flu should get themselves vaccinated. They can do that only under a doctor’s medication,” Dr. Subhakar added.
Meanwhile, the district health authorities again reiterated that there was no need for public to panic. “We urge public to take basic precautions, which are mandatory during any flu season. There is no need to panic because swine flu is not pandemic,” district medical officer P. Venkateswar Rao said.
