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Swine flu fear keeps Mumbai parents on toes

A rising number of swine flu deaths in Pune and a few positive cases in Mumbai are causing worried parents to flock to clinics.

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A rising number of swine flu deaths in Pune and a few positive cases in Mumbai are causing worried parents to flock to clinics and enquire about vaccinations for their children.

According to doctors, parents are rushing to the hospital even if their child is exhibiting symptoms of a common cold and cough. Mumbai has recorded three positive H1N1 cases in the last two weeks, including a six-year-old boy from Mulund and his grandmother.

Dr Mukesh Sanklecha, a consultant paediatrician from Bombay hospital, said, “With hardly any swine flu cases last year, people were least bothered. But now with rising deaths in the neighbouring city, people are not taking any chances.”

Especially alert are people who commute regularly between Pune and Mumbai. “I met a family who make weekend trips to Pune to visit relatives. They had come to me with their two children for vaccination as soon as their younger child caught a cold.”

But health experts are urging Mumbaikars to not panic. Dr Tanu Singhnal, an infectious disease expert at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, said, “Mumbai’s weather is not conducive for the growth of the virus.”

Meanwhile, the haze in the city is causing a rise in other ailments. “People with upper respiratory problems are coming to us with renewed symptoms,” said Dr Jaisingh Phadtare from Grant Medical College.

Viral conjunctivitis is another seasonal ailment that is rearing its head, especially among children. “We are seeing at least 3-4 cases of conjunctivitis every day. Good hygiene will help stop the spread,” said Dr Sheela Kerkar, associate professor at KEM hospital’s ophthalmology department.

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