3rd H1N1 peak showing signs of slowdown

Fewer deaths, postive tests over past month in city

Has the immunity level of Puneites improved against swine flu infections or is it that the third peak of H1N1 is finally ebbing? That's the question health authorities seem to be debating over these days, as not only has the death rate due to swine flu infections reduced in the past month but also the number of fresh infections.

"Yes it is true that the swine flu situation is improving. There are fewer positive patients and even lower is the number of those who need ventilator support," said Dr P S Pawar, medical superintendent, Sassoon General Hospital. "There have been times when critical patients have become well and gone home; overall deaths have decreased too. Maybe it is because of wide immunisation that fewer people are getting infections, or maybe the third peak is on its way out."

The statistics show that swine flu has lost much of its lethal sting. Health department figures reveal that from August 9 to 15, 27 people died of the infection while 268 tested positive.

In the following week, from August 16 to 22, there were 19 deaths and 243 positive reports, while the following week saw 15 deaths and 135 patients.

Even among schoolchildren, the numbers of new cases has gone down from 99 in the first week to 63 and 46 in the following weeks.

"Even though the third peak seems to be on the wane, it might be worthwhile to wait for another two weeks before we lower our guard even a bit. This should not be a temporary phase," said Dr C A Kante, officer at swine flu control room.

Dr Sharad Agharkehdkar, president of the Pune chapter of the Indian Medical Association, said that vaccination could be credited for fewer infections.

"The frenzy over the vaccination and the good response to vaccines the past few weeks might finally be bearing fruit as the number of cases is ebbing. It is good and we hope that this enthusiasm continues till at least 70 per cent of the population is inoculated as at that time we would be in a position to arrest spread of infection."