Another 24 test positive for swine flu

Another 24 persons tested positive for swine flu yesterday when 4,556 people were screened throughout the district for H1N1. No new deaths were reported.

Authorities gave 720 persons Tamiflu. The district has seen 11 deaths in 19 days due to swine flu and city doctors advise citizens to seek medical opinion if suffering from cold and cough and follow appropriate hygiene measures.

Those afflicted with tuberculosis, diabetes, hypertension, HIV, heart-related issues or suffering from upper respiratory problems must take extra precautions.u00a0Relatives of H1N1 victims are advising citizens not to hesitate visiting a doctor if they are suffering from cough and cold.

Vijay Joshi (67), father of Sanjay Joshi who died on March 19 at Sahyadri hospital, said, "My son used to suffer from cough and cold every now and then.

We didn't take it seriously until he complained of breathlessness on March 18. He was admitted to Sahyadri hospital on the morning of March 19 and breathed his last the very same evening."

Vikrant Shinde (21) son of Shrikant Shinde, who died on March 15 said, "He was suffering from a mild fever and cough and no other illness. On February 22, he was having breathing problems, but avoided seeing doctor.

Finally, on February 28 he was admitted to the ICU ward at Chintamani Hospital and administered Tamiflu. On March 5, he tested positive for H1N1, was shifted to Bharati hospital and put on Ventilator. Only if we had seen a doctor earlier, things could have been different."

Following the case history of the 11 victims, it has been ascertained that seven of them had serious co-morbid condition and four had no major illnesses in the past. Also, 80 per cent of them were in the age group of 40 to 65.

Kishore Jawale, medical officer of Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation said, "If only people become more aware and cautious, things can be brought under control sooner.

Everyone should get themselves vaccinated to prevent from deadly diseases and the urban society should conduct awareness camps for the rurals and illiterate."u00a0Rajendra Maruti Gaikwad (50), was admitted to DY Patil Hospital on March 28 and succumbed on April 2.u00a0