Four more H1N1 cases in city

KOLKATA: Four new cases of H1N1 were reported in the city on Thursday, taking the total number of swine flu-affected in the state to 31 this monsoon. Seven persons had tested positive on Wednesday. Virologists fear there would be a further rise in H1N1 cases as the climate was favourable for the virus to thrive.
Fifteen people are currently receiving treatment for the influenza and the condition of two, who are admitted in private hospitals, continues to be critical.Both the patients are in their 20s. Though one person has completed the Tamiflu dosage and treatment, his condition has not improved due to renal failure.
"The chronic renal failure patient at a private hospital has undergone the full course of treatment. His follow-up
swab report confirms he is now H1N1 negative. But his condition continues to be critical due to other ailments," said Dr Asit Biswas, state swine flu nodal officer.
Virologists say the H1N1 virus is more virulent this time. Also, unlike the outbreak last year — when the influenza was largely restricted to people aged between five and 35 years — this time it is attacking people from all age groups. H1N1 had affected 130 people in the state last year and there were no deaths.
Though swine flu can prove dangerous for all, the most vulnerable are those with chronic ailments as their immune system has become weak. People with cardio-vascular diseases, respiratory distress and cancer fall in the high-risk category.
While vaccine for swine flu can play a preventive role, so far the vaccine from the health department is made available only to doctors and health workers. An Indian vaccine manufacturing company launched an intra-nasal vaccine for swine flu a few days ago. But chemists in the city said due to lack of information, the response to the vaccine had been lukewarm.