Alert in US Nagar hospitals after nine reported deaths of swine flu in Dehradun

RUDRAPUR: Hospitals in the district are on alert after nine swine flu deaths reported in the state capital Dehradun this year. The health department has set up a 6-bedded swine flu ward at the JL Nehru district hospital in Rudrapur and has issued two phone numbers for the people to consult about the symptoms and cure of the dangerous virus.
“The swine flu virus has been active since last year.Although we have been repeatedly asking residents to take precautions due to changes in the weather, there are chances of getting cases of swine flu,” Dr Shailja Bhatt, the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of the district, said. Officials of the health department on Wednesday asked all private hospitals to report cases of swine flu to them and ensure correct treatment of patients who are in a critical condition.
“We treat patients suffering from swine flu just like those suffering from other types of flu. The patient is kept in isolation only in case of an emergency. People should not panic as the situation is under control,” said Dr Taradutt Rakholiya, the principal medical officer at the district hospital.
Doctors said that any type of flu, coupled with cold, can lead to swine flu and so, symptoms of flu should be treated at once and with care. Doctors said that a rise in body temperature, unusual fatigue, headache, sore throat, loss of appetite, diarrhoea and vomiting are some indicators of swine flu.
“We are fully prepared to treat the virus. Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth often, use alcohol-based sanitisers for washing hands, avoid crowded places in case the disease breaks out and avoid shaking hands with infected people. If you feel any of the symptoms, call at 05944-246590 or 73108-01425 and consult our doctors", said CMO Dr Bhatt.