PUNE: A week after Ganpati Visarjan, the number of patients testing positive for swine flu has increased to 107 in the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) limits. Also, as of Sunday, a total of 47 patients were on ventilator. Since the Ganapati festival, the number of affected persons has increased and each day at least four to five patients are tested positive. Before the Ganapati festival, the PMC Health Department officials had notified ‘Dos and Don’ts’ for high-risk patients.
Speaking to Sakal Times, a doctor from the Health Department said that the high-risk patients with low immunity are more susceptible to swine flu.
“People with low immunity can catch flu. However, due to religious values, many patients tend to visit Ganapati pandals during the festival. Also, it is seen that elderly and young children go and visit the pandals. As a result, many people are testing positive for swine flu after 10 days of festivities,” said the doctor.
He further added that the high-risk patients should take basic precautions to ensure that they are secured. “Taking swine flu vaccine is one of the best ways if you have medical conditions already. Senior citizens, children as well as pregnant women are advised to take extra care,” said the doctor.
The official also added that the conducive weather of extreme heat and cloudy skies are another reason due to which the cases have increased.
Since January 1 till September 30, 6,88,910 patients were screened for swine flu and 9,947 were administered with Tamiflu. Around 1,337 swab samples were sent for testing and this year, 253 patients tested positive.
Till date this year, 107 patients are still admitted and 94 patients have been discharged after receiving treatment.
Currently, 60 patients are still admitted to the hospital and 47 are on ventilator. Moreover, 20 patients have lost the battle against swine flu this year.
