Even as Sunday recorded the highest number of people testing positive for swine flu in a single day, chemists are struggling to meet the rising demand for the vaccine which has run out of stock in the city.
Even as Sunday recorded the highest number of people testing positive for swine flu in a single day, chemists are struggling to meet the rising demand for the vaccine which has run out of stock in the city.
How many people tested positive on Sunday?
According to the BMC's health department, 27 Mumbaikars tested positive for the virus that has so far claimed 8 lives. Panicked citizens are rushing to chemist stores and doctors to get vaccinated against swine flu.
Why is the vaccine out of stock?
Doctors and chemists say that they are unable to meet the sudden spurt in demand for the influenza vaccine as it was until recently not even finding a buyer a month.
Prasad Danave, president of the Retail and Dispensing Chemist Association, said, "For the last two years, the sale of influenza vaccine was almost nil. The stocks expired and pharma companies had to come up with promotional offers. With the surge of swine flu cases in the city, the demand has suddenly gone up, resulting in shortage of supply."
Is there a shortage of Tamiflu too?
Danave said that Mumbaikars and doctors are running to get the vaccine shot to save themselves and their family from the virus. "We have enough stock of Tamiflu, but there is an acute shortage of the vaccine as prevention is better than cure."
How long will it take to acquire the vaccine?
"If we order for 50 units of the vaccine, we are getting only 10 and that too after at least three to four days," added Danave.
Why has H1N1 suddenly reared its head again?
Doctors say that it looks like the H1N1 virus has undergone a structural change, which is the reason behind it affecting more people after a lull of six years.
Who is more prone to swine flu?
According to doctors, senior citizens, children (especially below 2 years) and pregnant women are in the high risk category as they have less immunity. In most swine flu deaths in the city, the patient was a diabetic or had hypertension. Schools have also started educating children and spreading awareness on hygiene. If figures are to be believed, around 1/4th of the swine flu cases in the city are children.
Flu in figures
022-24114000: BMC's helpline number to counsel citizens on swine flu
415: No. of swine flu cases in the state
58: No. of deaths in the state
134: No. of cases in the city
8: No. of deaths in the city
Symptoms to watch out for
Swine flu is an air-borne viral infection that is highly contagious
1 in four persons infected with H1N1 virus die of complications
It mimics normal flu like symptoms like dry cough, fever, head ache and throat irritation
Subsequently, the symptoms may worsen to cause breathlessness
It spreads from one human being to another via air.
Dos and Don'ts
Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
Wash your hands with soap or use sanitiser
Avoid touching your nose, eyes and mouth
Drink plenty of water and have nutritious food
Sleep 8 hours a day
Avoid handshakes/contact greetings
Don't spit in the open
Avoid self-medication
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