With an alarming rise in the number of reported cases of swine flu in Karnataka, the state’s Health Department issued an advisory on Wednesday asking not to ignore symptoms of H1N1 and to call 104 in case of an emergency.
"People should not ignore H1N1 symptoms and should see government doctors immediately or call 104," Shalini Rajneesh, Principal Secretary, Health and Family Welfare Department told The Times of India.
In March, it was reported that there is a staggering increase in the number of swine flu cases in Karnataka in 2017. As per data from the Karnataka Health and Family Welfare department, the state has already recorded 618 H1N1 cases this year (till March first week).
"H1N1 is 100% treatable. We request people to visit a hospital as soon as flu-like symptoms appear," Dr Lokesh, BBMP Chief Health Officer told The Hindu.
He added that persons suffering from diabetes, hypertension and runny nose are more susceptible to the flu.
Officials also said that the government will launch an aggressive campaign in Bengaluru, Mysuru, Chitradurga and Shivamogga districts as they report a higher number of cases.
The advisory said that Tamiflu tablets were given for free in all government hospitals and primary health centres and homeopathy medicines were also made available to improve immunity.
A throat swab will be taken by doctors in patients with symptoms and the result will be made available within a day.
If H1N1 is diagnosed, patients will be kept under quarantine at specialised care centres such as Rajiv Gandhi Chest Institute in Bengaluru to prevent patients from developing pneumonia, reports said.