Hyderabad: 20 China returnees test positive for swine flu

Hyderabad: Nearly 20 persons who returned from China have tested negative to the deadly coronavirus (Covid-19), but they were found to be infected with swine flu.Luckily for health authorities, they all are under home isolation already for the last few weeks.

Hence, swine flu medication was given to them and also their family members as a precaution measure.

It may be noted that suspected cases with symptoms like fever, cold, cough, sore throat, breathing problems etc are primarily tested for the deadly coronavirus.

However, with winter season conducive to the H1N1 virus, authorities are also looking for the possibility if any of returnees from China or Hong Kong and other Asian nations affected with swine flu. In tests done so far, it was found 20 persons were affected with swine flu.

"The advantage of swine flu over coronavirus is that there is medication to cure swine flu. People with good immunity and having no other health complications get cured in 5 days mostly. We have started medication and some have been cured already. Some of them are recovering and doing well," an official said.

Some others have joined corporate hospitals in their area for a speedy recovery after being informed about testing positive for the H1N1 virus. Gandhi Hospital that has an isolation ward for Covid-19 is also equipped with a separate isolation ward for treating swine flu cases. However, China returnees prefer to join private hospitals nearer to their residences for treatment.

With winter effect not lasting much this season and day temperatures on the higher side, the swine flu impact is found to be lesser when compared with last year.

As against 300 positive cases witnessed in January-February months last year, this time just 80 positive cases were registered in January till the middle of February. And with temperatures set to rise after Mahashivarathri, swine flu positive cases are expected to come down further.