Four of the five new swine flu cases reported on Saturday are on ventilator, said the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's health department as the H1N1 fever grips the city once again. Among the five, three are senior citizens.
Four of the five new swine flu cases reported on Saturday are on ventilator, said the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's health department as the H1N1 fever grips the city once again. Among the five, three are senior citizens.
Most from outside city
"All the new H1N1 patients are admitted in private hospitals. We are monitoring their treatment status. One of them is a 61-year-old female from Bandra. The rest are from outside Mumbai," said Dr Mangala Gomare, the epidemiology department in-charge in BMC.
Treat symptoms first, test later
With most of the swine flu cases getting admitted in private hospitals, BMC has already sent them directives on H1N1 treatment. "We have informed hospitals that in case they get a patient with swine flu symptoms, they should start the treatment immediately. Swine flu test is secondary when it comes to treatment and doctors shouldn't wait for the tests," said Dr Gomare.
BMC has also advised people specially senior citizens with co-morbid illnesses like diabetes and hypertension to be more alert. "They shouldn't waste time in taking treatment if they have H1N1 symptoms," said Dr Gomare.
Virus has claimed 34 lives so far
The virus has so far claimed 34 lives in the state out of which five are from Mumbai. While the state government and BMC health department are leaving no stones unturned to deal with sudden spurt in Swine Flu cases in the state and city, private doctors are doing their bit in spreading awareness among their patients.
Indian Medical Association- the umbrella body of allopathy doctors in the country has decided to ask its doctors to sensitise their patients especially the one falling in high risk category.
Doctors' prescription
Dr Jayesh Lele, president-elect of the IMA's Maharashtra chapter said, "We are holding some programmes for our doctors in the next few days where we will ask them to give information on influenza and swine flu. The emphasis will be given on helping people to take medical help at the earliest if they see signs of swine flu."
Agreeing to Dr Lele, Dr Mandar Kubal from Infectious Diseases & Pulmonary Care, Chembur said, "We need to get a sizeable amount of patients to understand the pattern of the virus. After a period of lull years, the swine flu virus has stricken back and in different parts of the country. People with COPD, diabetes, underlying lung problem should report to doctor in case they seem to have swine flu symptoms and have travel history to currently affected states like Andhra Pradesh. "
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