2 more die of swine flu in Punjab, toll due to H1N1 virus rises to 21

Two more persons died of swine flu in Punjab on Friday, taking the death toll to 21 in the state. One death was reported from Amritsar and Ferozepur districts each, an official spokesperson of the state health department said.

Two more persons died of swine flu in Punjab on Friday, taking the death toll to 21 in the state.

One death was reported from Amritsar and Ferozepur districts each, an official spokesperson of the state health department said.

With this, the total number of deaths in Punjab because of swine flu has reached 21, he said, adding, so far 47 patients have tested positive for H1N1 virus.

Officials claimed that the health department was geared up to tackle the menace of swine flu.

"The required medicine Tamiflu and other logistics are available at state headquarters and all the districts in sufficient quantities," he said.

All the health institutions have been directed to ensure that patients falling only in Category-C are tested for H1N1 virus after the clinical assessment, he added.

He said patients who do not require to be hospitalised be given treatment as per dosage based on the category.

"People are advised again to avoid crowded places, not to sneeze or spit without the use of tissue paper/handkerchief and adopt practices of frequent hand washing with soap and water. They are also advised to drink plenty of fluids and consume nutritious food to enhance their immunity," the spokesman said.

Students of all schools and colleges should also be monitored on daily basis, as per guidelines issued to educational institutions, he added.