Swine flu alert: Hospitals told to keep a tab on fever cases

With symptoms ranging from fever and sore throat to cough, chills, weakness and body aches, Health officials urged all hospitals to take up fever cases seriously. “All doctors and hospitals have been instructed to test every patient who comes for treatment with these symptoms, even if they do not develop complications. 

The problem arises when cases are ignored as they are not complicated, a Health official said.

Stating that the virus tends to undergo a variation each year, Dr S Raghunathan, a general physician, said that it is difficult to develop immunity against the disease.

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“It has also been declared as a global pandemic by the WHO. Commonly caused by a virus, the disease can be treated through various vaccines that are available. However, the biggest challenge is that the virus undergoes a variety of changes. Getting the vaccine could prove to be useful. Also, it is essential to stay avoid interaction with those who have such symptoms,” he added.

The virus can affect anyone, including the elderly, children, and pregnant women. Moreover, those suffering from chronic illnesses are the most vulnerable.   

Stating that human to human contact is the most common way for the disease to spread, he added, “It can spread either through direct or indirect touch. In fact, it can spread even through shared clothes.”

Therefore, he stressed on the need for patients with fever and symptoms similar to that of H1N1 to get themselves tested without delay.