Keeping in mind the possibility of a swine flu outbreak in Gurgaon, hospitals in the city have been issued an advisory by the health department to treat patients on an immediate basis.
The monsoons, though welcomed by NCR citizens as a much-needed respite from the heat, may bring with it the greater threat of the H1N1 virus. Keeping in mind the possibility of a swine flu outbreak in Gurgaon, hospitals in the city have been issued an advisory by the health department to be on high alert and treat patients on an immediate basis.
Swine flu is one of the most contagious diseases, in which the virus can spread rapidly if the patient is not kept in isolation. The monsoons are an especially vulnerable time for people, as the virus can easily multiply in this weather, said doctors at Civil Hospital, Gurgaon.
The advisory has directed all hospitals to mobilise rapid action teams for swine flu in every district and ensure that isolation wards, ICUs and ventilators are readily available.
“The hospitals have been asked to spread awareness among people about swine flu and the immediate steps they are required to take if symptoms are seen,” said Dr Kanta Goyal, principal medical officer, Civil Hospital, Gurgaon. “All paramedics, doctors, school and college personnel and municipal bodies should also be aware of H1N1.”
Doctors, however, point out that not all swine flu patients need isolation. In the three H1N1 categories — categories A, B and C — only those under Category C need admission in a hospital isolation ward. Symptoms for this stage of contamination — apart from fever, sore throat, body ache, cough, headache, nausea and diarrhoea —include breathlessness and chest pain.
Even though there are no confirmed cases of swine flu so far in Gurgaon, citizens are being asked to consult a doctor in case of cold and flu, just to be sure the patient has not contracted H1N1.
