H1N1: two more suspected cases,105 people screened

Special screening centres

To handle the increasing number of suspected cases,two special screening centres have been set up at GMCH-32 and PGIMER. A similar centre will be set up at GMSH-16 on Thursday.

At PGIMER,screening is being done at the emergency OPD,new OPD and Paediatrics OPD. At GMCH-32,it is being done in the D block. Nearly 105 patients were screened on Wednesday.

A PGIMER spokesperson said testing facility at the hospital would start as soon as the permission is given.

Isolation wards

In the Communicable Disease ward,PGIMER can accommodate 10 patients. At present,six patients are admitted in the ward. Additional area has been identified in case the number of patients increases.

Test results are getting delayed as more samples are being sent to Delhi and Pune. “Normally,the test results come within 24 hours,but now they are taking 48 to 72 hours,” a doctor at GMSH-16 said.

The GMCH-32 can accommodate 10 patients in the isolation ward — one patient is admitted. “The hospital is ready for 100 patients. A building is ready with us. It can be converted into isolation ward,” director of GMCH-32 Raj Bahadur said.

At GMSH-16,20 patients can be accommodated. Three suspected cases are admitted in the hospital.

N-95 masks not available

With the non-availability of N-95 masks,people are buying the other available variants. Doctors say the N-95 masks are effective in public places and the ordinary masks can be used at places like homes.

In the absence of the N-95 mask,a triple layered surgical mask can be used. And if nothing is available,any cotton cloth can be tied around the face to cover the mouth and nose.

Who is at risk

Swine flu can affect anybody but people with chronic illness,elderly,children and immunocompromised individuals are more at risk.

Symptoms

* Cough,running nose with persistent high fever,tightness in chest and difficulty in breathing.

* Those with milder symptoms should stay at home and consult the family doctor.

* Those who travel abroad or had a close contact with a H1N1 patient,should visit a hospital as soon as the first symptoms are noticed.

Places to avoid

* Avoid going to crowded places — cinema halls,air-conditioned malls,AC buses or trains — till the symptoms subside. The virus spreads fast in close environment with recirculating air.

* Avoid sending the child to school if he/she has fever,sore throat or is coughing/sneezing.

* Stay home till symptoms/ fever subside or for 3-5 days.

* If one must travel,wear a mask. Avoid travel if you exhibit flu symptoms.

Precautions

* If you have symptoms of flu,wear a mask to prevent the spread of droplets. If it is not possible,use disposable tissues/ hankies while coughing or sneezing. Wash hands after coughing or sneezing. Avoid shaking hands with infected persons.

* When in a closed area with an infected person,wash hands immediately after touching any surface. The virus can survive in atmosphere for up to eight hours.

* Remain 1 meter to 6 feet away from an infected person.

What does Tamiflu do?

* Tamiflu is an antiviral drug used to treat severe infections. At present,it is being used for treatment of proven H1N1 cases and guarding those looking after positive cases.