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Re: Tracking AH1N1 fatalities in Uttar Pradesh Total 26
Playing ostrich in dealing with swine flu?
LUCKNOW: Aman Akash, a 20-year-old youth, was driving his motorcycle when he was told by health authorities of being tested positive for H1N1 virus, a couple of days ago. This was almost eight hours since his swab samples were tested at SGPGI. It was only he who knew as to after how many days he went for the check up after showing up symptoms of a possible swine flu. And, with how many people he came in contact with all this time. ``We immediately asked him to go to his house and avoid contact with people,'' said chief medical officer, Lucknow, Dr AK Shukla. Ironically, the health authorities were not having Akash's address till that time.
The instance only raises the big question: Are authorities prepared to tackle the menace of swine flu? Nearly 145 cases within a period of eight months may be a projection of the virus not spreading its tentacles too wide in UP (In Lucknow alone, more than 50 cases of swine flu cases have been reported during the same period). But it is the absence of enough preventive measures which has been a cause of concern.
Vaccination, to begin with, has largely been limited to the medicos and paramedical personnel who are exposed to the H1N1 suspected/infected patients. There is complete absence of rigorous immunisation drive against the virus which floats in the air once an H1N1 infected person sneezes or coughs. In fact, at times, the carrier himself may not be even aware of the infection while he drives or walks around the city. All that one can do is to voluntarily get a vaccine administered. Cost of the vaccine, however, appears to be a limiting factor. While a single injectable vial could make you cough out Rs 3,000, the nasal variant costs around Rs 800 (A single vial may be used for five persons). Unfortunately, the vaccines provide immunity against the virus for a period of one year only.
Besides vaccination, it's the absence of a rigorous surveillance mechanism which forms a major constraint. Health authorities insist of having a rapid response team (RRT) to screen people around the person who possibly came in contact with the infected person. ``It's not a water borne disease that we can demarcate localities which are vulnerable to the disease. The virus spreads out in the air itself,'' said a senior health official.
Screening of passengers migrating into the city too has been found wanting. Take for example the case of Amausi airport, which happens to be the most crucial gateway to national and international tourists. Airport sources claimed that a system of screening is yet to be put in place. Airport director, Atul Dixit said that they have a medical instruction (MI) room as for that matter. ``As soon as any passenger complains of any such problem we send him/her to hospital immediately. It is therefore up to the medicos to decide if the passenger needs to get any test done or not, he said.
Read more: Playing ostrich in dealing with swine flu? - Lucknow - City - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/c...#ixzz0x1nWxY2V
Playing ostrich in dealing with swine flu?
LUCKNOW: Aman Akash, a 20-year-old youth, was driving his motorcycle when he was told by health authorities of being tested positive for H1N1 virus, a couple of days ago. This was almost eight hours since his swab samples were tested at SGPGI. It was only he who knew as to after how many days he went for the check up after showing up symptoms of a possible swine flu. And, with how many people he came in contact with all this time. ``We immediately asked him to go to his house and avoid contact with people,'' said chief medical officer, Lucknow, Dr AK Shukla. Ironically, the health authorities were not having Akash's address till that time.
The instance only raises the big question: Are authorities prepared to tackle the menace of swine flu? Nearly 145 cases within a period of eight months may be a projection of the virus not spreading its tentacles too wide in UP (In Lucknow alone, more than 50 cases of swine flu cases have been reported during the same period). But it is the absence of enough preventive measures which has been a cause of concern.
Vaccination, to begin with, has largely been limited to the medicos and paramedical personnel who are exposed to the H1N1 suspected/infected patients. There is complete absence of rigorous immunisation drive against the virus which floats in the air once an H1N1 infected person sneezes or coughs. In fact, at times, the carrier himself may not be even aware of the infection while he drives or walks around the city. All that one can do is to voluntarily get a vaccine administered. Cost of the vaccine, however, appears to be a limiting factor. While a single injectable vial could make you cough out Rs 3,000, the nasal variant costs around Rs 800 (A single vial may be used for five persons). Unfortunately, the vaccines provide immunity against the virus for a period of one year only.
Besides vaccination, it's the absence of a rigorous surveillance mechanism which forms a major constraint. Health authorities insist of having a rapid response team (RRT) to screen people around the person who possibly came in contact with the infected person. ``It's not a water borne disease that we can demarcate localities which are vulnerable to the disease. The virus spreads out in the air itself,'' said a senior health official.
Screening of passengers migrating into the city too has been found wanting. Take for example the case of Amausi airport, which happens to be the most crucial gateway to national and international tourists. Airport sources claimed that a system of screening is yet to be put in place. Airport director, Atul Dixit said that they have a medical instruction (MI) room as for that matter. ``As soon as any passenger complains of any such problem we send him/her to hospital immediately. It is therefore up to the medicos to decide if the passenger needs to get any test done or not, he said.
Read more: Playing ostrich in dealing with swine flu? - Lucknow - City - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/c...#ixzz0x1nWxY2V
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