Swine flu alert in district after first death in Amritsar

The year’s first swine flu death in Amritsar has set off alarm bells for health authorities across the state who have asked government as well as private hospitals to ensure isolated wards and adequate staff to deal with such patients. Health minister Surjit Kumar Jayani, however, said government hospitals had enough medicines and that there was no need to panic. Private hospitals have also been asked to stay alert.
Meanwhile Newsline spoke to Dr Parwinder Singh Sidhu, senior medical officer at the civil hospital.

“So far no patient with such symptoms has come in our hospital but we have enough medicines and an isolated ward ready. Swine flu is communicable. The Health Minister asserted that the health services are geared up to deal with swine flu patients. The symptoms of the swine flu affected patients included fever, cough, sore throat, diarrhea, vomit and problem in breathing. Anyone suffering from these symptoms should immediately report at nearest government health centre,” he said.

The precautions

Keep your mouth covered while sneezing and coughing

After touching your nose, eyes and mouth, wash your hands

Avoid crowded places, minimize physical contact with others

Maintain distance from patients

Have plenty of water, nutritious food