H1N1 virus may remain active in winter: experts

But he is quick to add that the H1N1 virus has not shown any adherence to weather so far and is expected to continue in winters.

“At this moment it is difficult to predict how the virus will behave. But traditionally,common flu rises in autumn,spring and winters. Going by that logic,the H1N1 virus should be active in winters and stabilise only by next summers,” Prof Kumar says.

Every new virus causes epidemics. It takes time before human beings develop resistance to it,he says. “Take the case of common flu. It is also a virus but not that harmful as human beings have developed resistance to it. Once the same happens in case of H1N1,it will be like any other flu,” Prof Kumar adds.

Chandigarh’s count of cases has been 11 so far. The eight samples sent to NICD last week were tested negative and no fresh suspected cases were reported on Monday.

Central Nodal Officer satisfied with hospital arrangements

Arun Kumar,Joint Secretary-cum-Central Nodal Officer (Swine Flu),Ministry of Health and Family Welfare,visited the city hospitals on Monday for assessment of their preparedness. He expressed satisfaction over the arrangements after he was apprised of the facilities being provided in the isolation wards of PGIMER-12,GMCH-32 and GMSH-16.

Woman who died did not have swine flu
The samples of the 40-year-old woman,who reportedly died of swine flu in Panchkula,have tested negative. The victim was admitted in the Alchemist Hospital on August 18 with symptoms of swine flu. She died after a few days.