Mumbai: Swine flu is back and like the 2009 crisis, Pune seems worst hit with 69 cases and 7 deaths in the last two weeks. However, the virus is not restricted to Pune alone. It is spreading to other parts of India as well. Nearly 27 cases have been reported from Andhra Pradesh and 28 from Rajasthan, with the latter reporting 5 deaths.
Transmission in Pune shot up to 15 pc in March, says the city-based National Institute of Virology. Authorities are, meanwhile, releasing additional funds for equipment like ventilators at government hospitals and are also looking to rope in private hospitals for treatment.
Doctors, however, insist the virus has lost its sting and the Pune spurt is an aberration due to erratic weather changes. The good news is that the experts have not noted any significant mutation in the H1N1 virus, so Tamiflu, the first line of treatment, continues to remain effective.
Taking a cue from the 2009 experience, when hundreds of students were infected, triggering closure of many schools and colleges, health authorities are focusing on children.
Dr Suresh Rang, a Lung Specialist at Lilavati Hospital, said, "Seven days of no school will not make your child any less of an Einstein. So please avoid school when ill."
"Give them fresh food, fresh fruits, cross ventilation, wash hands," he added.
Though doctors maintain there is no cause for alarm just yet, if you are down with flu like symptoms, do not self medicate and get medical help immediately.
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