Maha loses 263 to H1N1, self-medication worsens it

Mumbai: The State has recorded 1,814 positive cases of H1N1 virus and 263 deaths this year. An analysis of the deaths by the State’s health officials has shown that about 18 to  20 per cent patients had received oseltamivir (Tami flu tablets) within two days of the onset of symptoms.

The swine flu infections is proliferating since the detection is late, so the cases get exacerbated and it remains a big challenge for treating the patient down with the severe infection of H1N1, said a senior health officer.

Dr Mukund Diggikar, joint director of Directorate of Health Services in Maharashtra, said, “When any symptoms related to any kind of flu is noted, the patient should be under medical observation and tests related to it should be done. People must avoid self medication as it worsens the cases.”

While health minister Dr Deepak Sawant said, “ H1N1 virus is on rise, I have instructed all privately, as well as government and civic-run hospitals to be ready to tackle it on priority basis. If patients approach any hospital with symptoms of coughing, sore throat and cold, doctors should wait for 24 hours and then start preventive medication for H1N1.”