After an H1N1 patient died due to a delay in consuming prescribed drug, BMC will call patients and enquire if they are taking medicines
After an H1N1 patient died due to a delay in consuming prescribed drug, BMC will call patients and enquire if they are taking medicines
Apart from family and friends, patients suffering from swine flu will now have one more concerned caller the BMC.
After an H1N1 patient died because of a delay in taking Tamiflu, the BMC has now decided to call patients and check whether they are taking their tablets on time.
Explaining the BMC's decision to track patients, Manisha Mhaiskar, additional municipal commissioner, said, "Pallavi Nanavre, a patient, who was prescribed Tamiflu did not take them on time, resulting in her death last week.
We did a case study of the first 12 H1N1 deaths in the city and realised there was a 48-hour delay in treatment. We don't want people to take things lightly and risk their lives."
The BMC, however, will not be administrating Tamiflu to pregnant women on the basis of symptoms, as is done to others.
Said Mhaiskar, "Since Tamiflu is anti-viral, it can affect the baby. So, we will give Tamiflu only if the patient tests positive for swine flu."
BMC is also going to monitor pregnant women who recover from swine flu. "This is to ascertain whether Tamiflu has any effect on the baby.
We are also monitoring other patients for side-effects. So far, there hasn't been any significant one," added Mhaiskar.
250
Number of doctors being trained by clinical experts to cope with rising swine flu cases in the city
Winter surge
The World Health Organisation has warned of a winter surge of swine flu in South East Asia. "A winter surge is a real possibility in the South-East Asia region.
WHO is closely monitoring the virus for genetic mutation and drug resistance," Dr Samlee Plianbanchang, WHO regional director for S-E Asia, said yesterday.
Teen tests positive for swine flu
A 17-year-old girl of Don Bosco High School and Junior College in Lonavala tested positive for swine flu and was admitted to the KEM Hospital last night.u00a0
Father Thomas, administrator of the school, said, "A group of doctors from Pune examined all students for the H1N1 virus and she tested positive."
He added the school is taking all precautions and has advised parents to follow safety measures at home. Aanchal Kurmi
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