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13th death in Pune, fresh guidelines on Tamiflu use
Post CommentLarger | Smaller Anuradha Mascarenhas
Tags : 13, swine flu death, pune
Posted: Tuesday , Aug 18, 2009 at 0218 hrs
The swine flu death toll in Pune climbed to 13 with 36 year old Beena Gonsalves succumbing to the virus on Sunday. She was admitted with fever, chest pain and breathlessness to Naidu hospital and was shifted to Sassoon General hospital on August 13.
With the crisis in the city showing no signs of abating, authorities have now changed the treatment guidelines to incorporate clear instructions that Tamiflu tablets not be given to people who are in close contact with the patient.
Dr S B Nadoni, Regional Director of Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) told The Indian Express that these measures did not indicate a shortage of Tamiflu and the primary reason for restricting the use of Tamiflu was the side effects associated with the drug. Officials were quick to clarify that each district would be receiving a supply of 10,000 tablets in a day or two and that Pune itself was in possession of two lakh tablets.
So far even close contacts of the patient infected with swine flu were administered chemoprophylaxis (preventive treatment of one tablet of Tamiflu for ten days). A household survey has revealed that the infection has spread rapidly in the city and hence it would not be advisable to prescribe Tamiflu to all the patients with mild symptoms. The categories of patients have been revised and Category A patients, that is, those with mild fever, cold and cough being will not be administered Tamiflu and will simply be prescribed rest and confinement.
Post CommentLarger | Smaller Anuradha Mascarenhas
Tags : 13, swine flu death, pune
Posted: Tuesday , Aug 18, 2009 at 0218 hrs
The swine flu death toll in Pune climbed to 13 with 36 year old Beena Gonsalves succumbing to the virus on Sunday. She was admitted with fever, chest pain and breathlessness to Naidu hospital and was shifted to Sassoon General hospital on August 13.
With the crisis in the city showing no signs of abating, authorities have now changed the treatment guidelines to incorporate clear instructions that Tamiflu tablets not be given to people who are in close contact with the patient.
Dr S B Nadoni, Regional Director of Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) told The Indian Express that these measures did not indicate a shortage of Tamiflu and the primary reason for restricting the use of Tamiflu was the side effects associated with the drug. Officials were quick to clarify that each district would be receiving a supply of 10,000 tablets in a day or two and that Pune itself was in possession of two lakh tablets.
So far even close contacts of the patient infected with swine flu were administered chemoprophylaxis (preventive treatment of one tablet of Tamiflu for ten days). A household survey has revealed that the infection has spread rapidly in the city and hence it would not be advisable to prescribe Tamiflu to all the patients with mild symptoms. The categories of patients have been revised and Category A patients, that is, those with mild fever, cold and cough being will not be administered Tamiflu and will simply be prescribed rest and confinement.
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