H1N1: Pregnant women, elderly, children told to be cautious

While asking people to get symptomatic treatment for H1N1 (swine flu) just like other viral fevers, district health officials said here on Tuesday that Tamiflu tablet and supporting medicines should be immediately given if the infection is seen in children below five years of age, the elderly and pregnant women.

Talking to reporters, District Disease Surveillance Officer B.V. Rajesh said children below five, those above 65 years and pregnant women fall under a high risk category. Clear guidelines must be given by Centre for the treatment of H1N1.

Dr. Rajesh said if fever in patients from this category remain high even after two days, and they have other diseases related to heart, lungs and kidneys, then Tamiflu and other supportive medicines should be administered. If patients also have respiratory distress, chest pain and blood in sputum, they should be tested for H1N1 and be admitted. “A delay in getting treatment could prove fatal,” said Dr. Rajesh, while speaking of the death of Pushpavati, 23, a government employee, on Sunday.

Of the 752 throat swab samples that were tested in the last seven months, as many as 200 were found positive for H1N1 in Dakshina Kannada. Except for Pushpavati and a 36-year-old shopkeeper from Balpa, who succumbed, the remaining recovered from the infection following the treatment protocol, he said.

Dr. Rajesh said of the 82 persons from outside the district, who tested positive for H1N1, three succumbed in the city this year.

Reproductive and Child Health Officer H. Ashok said it was important to isolate those infected from H1N1 from others. “Cough etiquette, namely, covering the mouth with a handkerchief while coughing and keeping such handkerchiefs away from others, should be followed. Hands should be washed frequently using soaps,” he said.

Dr. Ashok said all hospitals and educational institutions have been briefed on precautions. Hospitals have been told to follow treatment protocol prescribed by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, he said. The department was conducting an awareness campaign across the district, he added.