Swine flu cases need immediate attention

Chennai: The dreaded H1N1, commonly known as swine flu, has claimed 15 lives in Tamil Nadu so far, with around 2,896 cases accounting for 40 per cent of the total cases reported in the country.

Concerned over the sharp increase in swine flu cases this year, the government has directed state-run hospitals to equip themselves with diagnostic and treatment facilities.

There have been more swine flu cases and deaths in first four months of 2017 in India than all of 2016, which has rung alarm bells in the health department that is now trying to take strong measures to prevent its outbreak.

State health department has directed the government hospitals and public health centers to monitor the H1N1 cases and carry out vaccination at an increased pace. “We have intensified surveillance and monitoring of H1N1 flu as a precautionary measure. Though the numbers of cases reported are more, the death rate is comparatively less. Vaccination is being provided at all government hospitals to reduce the risk of the infection,” said Dr K. Kolandaisamy, Director, Public Health.

It is feared that H1N1 cases may show a rise due to temperature fluctuations in Tamil Nadu as the virus thrives well in such conditions, say doctors.

Health department officials say that early diagnosis is being stressed so that swine flu can be checked before it reaches an alarming stage. Vaccination is being given to high-risk age groups, inborn and schools students across the state. Government hospitals are also providing vaccines for free.

“Though the situation remains under control against H1N1 flu, vaccinations need to be focused to prevent any sort of outbreak. High-risk age groups must get vaccinated before they get affected and develop complications. If fever is suspected, all kinds of fevers must be tested and should not be treated as ordinary viral fever,” Dr P Vasanthamani, dean, Kilpauk Medical College.