H1N1: ‘second wave’ likely,people told not to neglect initial symptoms

“We are not sure whether the swine flu will hit back and hence,there is no reason to panic as yet. But since winter is supposed to create favourable conditions for the H1N1 virus,we cannot deny the possibility of the quick spread of swine flu. Therefore,we do not want to take chances and have already started undertaking the necessary precautionary measures,” Zagade said.

“We want to emphasise that citizens who get symptoms like cold,cough and fever,should not waste time and immediately rush to the doctors for treatment,without waiting for what the throat swab diagnoses. They should not ignore symptoms and waste time,as it could lead to the spread of the disease. Since there is no dearth of tamiflu tablets now,there is no reason to worry.”

In order to be prepared for the worst,the civic body has lined up meetings with various groups and sections like medical practitioners,medical groups,NGOs,school authorities,pharmacy colleges,nursing staff,etc. Screening centres would again be kept on their toes and medical teams would be imparted training once again.

“Last time,the awareness campaign and media played a major role in sensitising people. Therefore,we are going to revive the awareness campaign in December and January. Like last time,we will also relaunch the door-to-door campaign. We have instructed general practitioners and hospital authorities to initiate treatment as soon as a patient approaches. In the last week of November,we are going to conduct several meetings. We will also undertake surveys in slums,” Zagade said.

The number of victims due to swine flu had also come down drastically,the civic chief added.