Swine flu in India – First Death triggers panic in India

Swine flu in India has triggered panic after the death of Reeda in Pune. India being very densely populated, people are more concerned. Any fever or similar symptoms are worrying and everybody wants to get the H1B1 test to be done. There are many factors that people should be aware. Two other patients are critical in Pune who are tested positive to H1B1 virus. India has reported 615 confirmed cases of H1B1. Out of this 615 people confirmed 485 has been cured and returned home. One death has been reported and that was of Reeda recently in Pune and that’s due to delay in detection.

Its very important that the suspected cases should be subjected to the laboratory test at the right time.

Should we have more laboratories for testing Swine Flu?

Right now we have 4 laboratories doing this test. Looking into the number of cases reported, this is enough to cater the needs. This test costs approximately INR 10,000 but is done free of cost by the government.

We should understand that we need to go through a local doctor for a laboratory test if the doctor advices to go for the test. Samples are collected from different parts of India for suspected cases and sent to the nearest laboratory for the tests and results are received withing 12-24 hours time. For the current situation in India, these facilities are more than enough, but the Government is working with the private Hospitals and Laboratories to add on more facilities.

Tamiflu Side Effects – If you do not take the full course, you get resistant to the drug. Other side effects of Tamiflu includes, allergy, nausea, vomiting, etc. You can find more information on side effects of Tamiflu here.

Tamiflu is the drug used to treat this, but is not available in the market for the reason that it should not be used without confirmation. There are 4 laboratories in India which are doing the tests for H1B1. Tamiflu should not be used without confirmation as that could be more harmful.

 

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