New Delhi: Delhi’s Department of Health has confirmed five new cases of swine flu, taking the total figure of such cases in the national capital to 14 so far in this season.
Three women and two men have reportedly tested positive for H1N1 (swine flu) virus, media reports quoted Charan Singh, Additional Director of the Health Department, as saying on Tuesday.
Singh said two patients are undergoing treatment at the Ram Manohar Lal Hospital, while one is admitted in a private nursing home in the national capital. The remaining two patients are undergoing self-treatment.
The Centre has already directed its officials and state governments to stock emergency requirements of medicine Oseltamivir to deal with Swine flu Influenza.
Swine flu carrier, the H1N1 influenza virus, is prone to appear in winter months and health experts fear the number of cases may rise as the disease spreads through the air and not via a vector, as in dengue.
“Elderly people, diabetics, those with kidney problems, cancer patients and pregnant women are at risk and thus should get themselves vaccinated and take common precautions like washing hands properly, avoiding crowded places and wearing masks,” an official said.
“H1N1 influenza spreads from person to person through coughing, sneezing or through touch. The medicine generally prescribed for the disease is Tamiflu, which must be taken only after doctor’s prescription,” anofficial said.
Meanwhile, Health department has apprised all the designated hospitals of the health ministry guidelines for treatment of swine flu. With 14 cases reported this year, the total figure has gone up to 52 since last year.
Union Health Minister J P Nadda has also asked the hospitals to ensure adequate quantity of personal protective equipment for health care workers.Â
(With inputs from ANI)