BANGALORE
Many queue up, seeking immunity from the virus that has claimed over 170 lives in Karnataka so far.
The H1N1 virus, to which the World Health Organisation had issued pandemic preparedness recommendations to all governments last year, is slowly making a comeback. It claimed 17 lives in Kerala this year, just ahead of the monsoon; two persons died of the virus in Udupi last month.
With temperatures in the city dipping, more and more Bangaloreans are lining up at city hospitals, seeking vaccination against this virus, which combines strains of human, avian and swine influenza. Many are keen to acquire immunity to the disease, though the vaccine is not recommended for general use.
The H1N1 virus spreads rapidly among people in close contact, and affects the respiratory system. However, simple preventive measures include proper hand hygiene, keeping a distance from coughing patients, and prompt medical attention, should symptoms make an appearance.
While many doctors — among the groups most prone to exposure to the virus — have already been vaccinated, many frequent travellers who are also at risk of exposure have sought the vaccine. “As per guidelines issued by the WHO and the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, the H1N1 vaccine can be given to health care workers, medical professionals and people between six months and 24 years of age. Anyone between 25 years and 64 years of age with medical conditions that lower immunity are permitted to take the vaccine,” said Dr Sangeetha Joshi, microbiologist, Manipal Hospital. Doctors and health care professional at Manipal Hospital have already been vaccinated; the hospital is in the process of acquiring vaccines for patients.
“Several people, especially frequent travellers, have approached us for the vaccine, ever since the news of availability of H1N1 vaccine since June this year has come out,” said Dr Rajeev Moger, consultant, internal medicine, Apollo Hospital. However, it is recommended that only individuals in high-risk categories use the vaccine.
Among those in the high-risk group are patients of asthma, bronchitis, diabetes, underlying lung disease, malignancy or renal failure. Dr Moger added that people with an already diseased lung are more prone to getting infected with the swine flu virus, and thus recommended the vaccine.
The vaccine is not available over-the-counter. It can be had on the recommendation of a doctor, and is available in a multi-dose vial, in a pack of 10, which can be administered on 10 different individuals. The pack costs Rs3,000, approximately.
Scared of the side-effects, even some doctors in the state have refused the vaccination. “Side effects include flu-like symptoms, fever, head ache, muscle ache. However, these symptoms disappear within a day or two. According to WHO guidelines, people who are allergic to egg should not take this vaccine,” said Dr Joshi.
Most available vaccines come in the form of injections. A Pune-based firm has claimed that it is in the process of introducing a spray vaccine.
Prayagraj sees unprecedented crowds, traffic jams leave devotees without food, water amid Mahakumbh
Tirupati Laddu Prasadam row: CBI arrests four people in ghee adulteration case
JEE Mains 2025 Result: NTA JEE Session 1 result to be declared on..., know how to download scorecard
Donald Trump reveals BIG plan, says committed to 'buy and own' Gaza, allow others to...
Radhika Merchant dances her heart out at her friend's wedding to 'Anarkali Disco Chali', Watch
Did Lionel Messi’s son Thiago score 11 goals in single match for Inter Miami? Here's the truth
India vs England: Rohit Sharma goes past Chris Gayle in all-time ODI list led by Shahid Afridi
Ed Sheeran BREAKS silence after Bengaluru cops stop his street performance: 'It wasn't just...'
India gains, Pakistan struggles: Forex reserves rise to Rs 55300044 crore, Pak's decline continues
IND vs ENG: Rohit Sharma returns to form before Champions Trophy, slams 32nd ODI century vs England
'Mummy daantegi...': Little boy screams as tiger pulls his shirt at zoo, WATCH viral video
Manipur CM N Biren resigns nearly two years after ethnic violence in state
Viral Video: Women travel in train toilet to Maha Kumbh, internet says "Is this a joke?
Vicky Jain's 'bizarre' comment leaves wife Ankita fuming with anger, netizens declare him 'red flag'
Bengaluru cops stop Ed Sheeran's street performance, video goes viral - Watch
Viral video: Lion spotted on moving jeep? Here’s the truth
YouTuber Gaurav Taneja reveals he was 'shocked' over his wife's decision to...
Teddy Day 2025: Date, history and significance of the fourth day of Valentine’s week
'Sugar is the biggest toxin...': Naga Chaitanya calls sugar more toxic than alcohol and tobacco
‘Over for Blinkit, Zepto’, this startup claims ‘delivering humans’ in 10 minutes, shocks netizens
Pratik Gandhi on his struggles, managing job with acting: 'Chaar gante sona luxury tha' | Exclusive
Why did Kumar Vishwas' wife cry after Manish Sisodia lost Delhi Elections: 'Not always power...'
'Fast and Furious' cars collision creates a Rohit Shetty scene on Indian road, viral video
'Go to the room, cry...': Salman Khan's wisdom on love, breakup is all you need this Valentine's Day
Parvesh Verma, BJP leader who defeated Arvind Kejriwal, makes BIG claim, says, 'we have to do...'
Sumona Chakravarti on joining Kapil Sharma show: 'Went from Ram Kapoor's sister to...'
Is Elon Musk still interested in buying TikTok? Tesla CEO provides BIG update, claims...
Groom's mother and mama join hands to burn the dance floor down, viral video sets internet on fire
What is historic 'Blue Gold', costlier than real gold?
Salman Khan opens up about his daddy issues with Salim Khan: 'How can he be right all the time...'
Powerful 7.6 magnitude earthquake jolts Caribbean, tsunami advisory issued
Salman Khan supports Sooaj Barjatya, pens note on his OTT debut, calls his show Bada Naam Karenge...
Little girl's energetic dance to 'London Thumakda' leaves netizens in awe, WATCH viral video
Meet man who left IIT, later earned Rs 286 crore in just 20 weeks by...
Viral Video: Sadhus playing cricket at Mahakumbh mela wins hearts online, watch
Happy Chocolate Day 2025: Wishes, WhatsApp messages, quotes to share with your partner on February 9
Meet woman, who plays key role in Rs 33661 crore company, daughter of billionaire
Vicky Kaushal and Akshaye Khanna didn't talk to each other on the Chhaava sets because...
Nita Ambani, Nick Jonas share candid moments at Siddharth Chopra's wedding, WATCH viral video
UPSC Civil Services Prelims Exam 2025 registration date extended by 7 days; apply at upsc.gov.in