Suspected cases of swine flu on rise in Gurgaon, health experts on alert

The health department has been put on alert after an increase in the number of suspected swine flu cases being reported from the city. At present a total of 32 patients are under observation under the “suspected” category according to the health department in the city.

The health department has been put on alert after an increase in the number of suspected swine flu cases being reported from the city.

At present a total of 32 patients are under observation under the “suspected” category according to the health department in Gurgaon. (Sonu Mehta/ HT files)

At present a total of 32 patients are under observation under the “suspected” category according to the health department in the city.

“We have yet not come across any confirmed case of swine flu, but we are staying alert. We might receive patients with the H1N1 virus any time of the year as the virus does not require a particular season to thrive . We are taking precautions,” said Ram Prakash Rai, epidemic in-charge, Civil Hospital, Gurgaon.

The hospitals in Gurgaon are on alert and have been asked to keep an eye out for all suspected cases of swine flu. In case of suspected swine flu cases, doctors usually prescribe the antiviral drugs Tamiflu to reduce the severity of symptoms.

“We have asked all private hospitals in the city also to inform us about patients with swine flu symptoms. If cough, cold and fever persist for more than three day along with breathlessness, the patient should visit a doctor. Also infected patients should be kept in isolation to avoid spreading the infection,” said Dr. BK Rajora, chief medical officer, Civil Hospital, Gurgaon.

During 2014, 37 cases of H1N1 were reported in Gurgaon with no deaths. However, in the last two years, no H1N1 cases were reported.

The H1N1 virus, experts say, often helps other seasonal viruses to attack the body. Experts fear an outbreak of the disease in the region and have asked health officials to take precautionary measures and keep it under control.

“We have been receiving patients with severe cold, cough and headache symptoms, for which test for the H1N1 virus is prescribed. There is a 30% rise in number of patients with flu symptoms this week as compared to the last because the city is receiving monsoon rains,” Dr. Rajesh Kumar, senior consultant, Internal Medicine, Paras hospital Gurgaon.