BMC framing H1N1 advisory for schools

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is in the process of framing a swine flu advisory for schools. Swine flu has claimed seven lives in the city so far. Four others have tested positive, taking the number of people infected with the H1N1 virus to 79.

“We are planning to release an advisory to schools, telling them what precautions should be taken,” Dr Daksha Shah, in-charge of the civic health department’s epidemiology cell, told DNA. “The advisory will warn schools to keep an eye on symptoms such as sore throat and fever among students. The child should be allowed to stay at home for five to seven days. It is better to keep the child in isolation at home rather than let the virus spread in schools.”

“We have sensitised doctors during a two-day workshop. They have been told not to neglect cases where there is less fever and more of sore throat. We have also told them to give medication on the basis of suspicion and not wait for the result,” Dr GT Ambe, BMC executive health officer, said.

The advisory, which is meant for patients as well as doctors, has changed a bit from last time due to the mutation of the virus, BMC sources said. It would be released in a couple of days.