Swine flu: Woman dies, 33 fresh cases in city

LUCKNOW: Swine flu claimed one life while 44 fresh cases were reported in UP on Wednesday. The deceased, a woman from Sitapur, was undergoing treatment at KGMU.

In Lucknow, 8 minors along with 25 others tested positive for swine flu, taking the count in the city to 184. Three cases were from the SGPGI campus.

In view of increasing number of swine flu cases, Balrampur Hospital started a separate OPD for patients on Wednesday. The staff at this OPD was provided masks for protection from infection. The KGMU had already started separate OPD for swine flu patients last week.

“All flu patients will be diverted to this OPD, including those suspected to be suffering from swine flu. They will further be diverted to swab collection centre, if the doctors decides,” said hospital director Dr EU Siddiqui. “Keep distance from people who sneeze or are suffering from flu. Also have balanced diet to keep immunity high,” said Dr Sandeep Kapoor, director, Healthcity Trauma Centre and Superspeciality Hospital.

MASKS IN DEMAND

There is a sudden rise in demand for masks. Though the N 95 mask is prescribed for medical professionals who are at risk of getting infection, people are turning up at medical stores to get mask. “People are not aware that not all need to wear masks and those who need them should go for specialised ones. The demand has actually reduced stock of masks,” said a chemist.