People flood hospitals, minister says don’t panic

City hospitals see steady rise in suspected influenza cases with people taking even common flu very seriously; the government says 'be careful, but don't panic'

People flood hospitals, minister says don't panic

City hospitals see steady rise in suspected influenza cases with people taking even common flu very seriously; the government says 'be careful, but don't panic'

With the number of swine flu cases showing a steady increase over the past few days in India, people in the national capital are no more relying on homemade remedies to treat even cases of common flu.

Alarmed by the rapid spread of the swine flu, Delhiites are hitting hospitals and getting themselves diagnosed even for a bout of sneezing.

The government is making all efforts to stop people from panicking, yet is happy that they are taking the situation seriously.

The hospital has been made the nodal point to handle cases of the influenza.

"We should not panic. It will just make the situation worse. We need to be aware and take reasonable precautions to avoid getting infected. The weak and ill, who do notu00a0 haveu00a0 strong immune systems, are at the highest risk of contracting the influenza," Dr Chaturvedi said.

"Try a regimen of vitamins and herbal remedies to strengthen your immune system and learn about the virus," he added.

AIIMS Medical Superintendent Dr D K Sharma agreed that patients with even normal flu are panicking. "We have not yet received a single suspected case. Flu symptoms must be taken seriously and the patient should get himself checked at a hospital or a clinic. However, panic should be avoided."

Authorities said the RML Hospital has received 18 cases of suspected swine flu victims. Special arrangements have been made in the hospital and suspected patients are being put up in an isolated ward.

The wards are cleaned with extra care. Whenever doctors and staff members go inside to check a patient, specially designed kits are given to them for protection.

Delhi Health Minister Kiran Walia said the city government has made elaborate arrangements to investigate, handle and control the situation. "There should not be any reason to panic," she said.

Meanwhile, following the confirmation of two swine flu cases in the city, the Delhi Government has taken a series of measures, including sprucing up hospitals and training doctors, to deal with the viral disease.

The government has already formed 10 multi-disciplinary teams of experts and stocked ten million units of Tamiflu as part of its efforts to be ready for more cases.

While one multi-disciplinary team will be posted at Maulana Azad Medical College to check suspected cases, other teams will be deployed in nine districts of the city. A 24-hour helpline has also been launched.

The toll free number to the helpline is 1075 and it will provide details about all aspects of the flu.

Be careful
>>Maintain hygiene at home and work place.
>>Wash your hands frequently
>>Avoid going to crowded places
>>Minimise physical contact like shaking hands and hugging strangers
>>Drink plenty of fluids
>>Eat nutritious food

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