The Public Health Department further claimed that there is enough medicine to tackle the epidemic. "We have 20,00,000 capsules of tamiflu across the state. So far, about 2,00,000 would have been utilised. In addition to those who contract the flu, we also administer the medicine to people who have come in contact with them recently," said K Kolandaswamy, Director of the Department of Public Health and Preventive medicine. Control teams, are reportedly dispatched to areas where people are tested positive for swine flu.

 

When asked if separate wards were provided for those suffering from the flu, the Director was quick to assure us that those who contracted swine flu were kept in isolation as prescribed. 

 

"It is people who have hypertension and diabetes that we are more worried about. They will face complications because of the flu. They must keep checking the sugar and blood pressure level," said Kolandaswamy.

 

As for the general public, the Health Department advises them cough or sneeze into a handkerchief, to keep washing their hands and to rush to a doctor if they catch a fever or experience throat pain. 

 

"Doctors have been already told to administer medicine to combat the flu if a patient comes with symptoms of influenza," added Kolandaswamy.