Gandhi Hospital bracesto tackle swine flu

Hyderabad: With rains lashing the state, health department is apprehensive that swine flu might resurface in Hyderabad. The health department is gearing up to prevent the spread of disease in the city.

As per official figures, from January to the first week of September, 409 cases and 21 deaths were reported. In 2018, 420 cases and 13 deaths were reported during the same period.

"We are keeping our fingers crossed that the situation doesn't worsen. We are preparing to handle a swine flu outbreak if it occurs," said Dr Krishnamurthy, Professor and HOD Respiratory Medical Department Gandhi Hospital.

He further added, "Swine flu cases are most likely to increase from the beginning of October till April or May. So far, the numbers are slowly increasing but there is no outbreak." Gandhi Hospital current has 15 bedded swine flu ward and its authorities are planning to increase the bed count.

Speaking to The Hans India, Dr J Venkat, District Medical and Health Officer (DMHO), said, "This is typically the 'flu season' when all types of flu cases are reported in big numbers. A large number of H1N1 cases is a cause of worry due to the festive season."

"It is observed that the number of cases with the upper respiratory infection including influenza increases during this season," added Dr Venkat. All the Swine flu H1N1 cases are been referred to Gandhi Hospital, Secunderabad by other government and private facilities.

The DMHO office also verifies and sends H1N1 medicines to those patients who have been admitted to private hospitals. No of Swine flu cases reported in Gandhi Hospital In 2018, Gandhi Hospital recorded 72 H1N1 positive cases and 18 deaths.