One dies,five more test positive; pneumonia making cases complicated,says Health dept

Experts say combination of swine flu and pneumonia is making the cases complicated,leading to fatalities.

“According to a report of GMCH-32,90 per cent cases in winters had pneumonia,” Dr G C Bansal of the Health department said. “Also,in many cases of deaths,patients report late to the hospitals,as they spend the crucial initial days taking common flu medicines.”

In Ambala,a 43-year-old woman died on Tuesday night,taking the toll to four in the district.

Admn to open two more screening centres

The Health department has decided to open two more screening centres at the Health Centre in Sector 22,and Polyclinic in Manimajra.

In a meeting to review the swine flu situation,officials proposed to explore the feasibility of using the ICUs of Command Hospital,Chandimandir,for critically ill patients.

The meeting,attended by medical superintendents of PGI,GMCH-32 and GMSH-16,was headed by Health Secretary Ram Niwas.

It was decided that Punjab and Haryana should be urged to set up ICU facilities in Mohali and Panchkula hospitals. Also,Health department has asked private hospitals with ICU facilities to make them available if needed.

So far,190 cases have tested positive in city hospitals,which include 111 from Chandigarh. Also,there have been 617 suspected cases.

DOs

* Cover mouth and nose with a handkerchief or tissue while coughing or sneezing.

* Wash hands before and after touching nose,eyes or mouth.

* Avoid crowded places.

* Drink plenty of water and eat nutritious food.

* Taking decoction of tulsi,turmeric,long pepper and guduchi every morning is recommended.

DON’Ts

* Avoid social contacts like shaking hands,hugging or kissing.

* Don’t take medicines without consulting physician.

* Don’t sneeze or cough into bare hands.