23 fresh swine flu cases in city

LUCKNOW: Fifty-five fresh cases of swine flu were reported in the state on Sunday. Twenty-three of these are from Lucknow, including three KGMU hostellers and a minor boy from Balaganj.

The number swine flu of cases in state now stands at 298, while in Lucknow the total count has gone up to 128. Thirteen people have died of swine flu in UP till now.

Worried over the spurt, the health department has increased the facilities and 129 beds have been reserved at medical colleges, with 42 ventilators for serious cases . “At least five beds are there in each medical college and all the principals have been instructed to admit swine flu patients so that they may not have to run here and there,” said Dr KK Gupta, director general, medical education.

On Saturday, the health minister had announced that the private sector would also be roped in to facilitate swine flu testing at locations from where patients had to travel long distance for the test . However, the list of such labs is awaited.

Dr Gupta informed that VDR labs had been set up in Meerut, Agra and Gorakhpur medical colleges for swine flu sample tests while other medical colleges had the labs running. “Institutes that did not have N-95 masks are being provided the same. Medicines for swine flu have also been made available,” he said.

WHO IS AT RISK

Children, elderly, pregnant women and those with poor immunity need extra precaution against swine flu. “Precautions are essential for all but those with poor immunity need extra care ,” said Dr PK Gupta, president , IMA.

MINOR TAKING TREATMENT AT HOME

A one year child who tested swine flu positive on Friday is taking medication at home on the advice of PGI doctors .

The parents had brought him to Lucknow from Saharanpur on Sunday but as the OPD was closed they plan to come again on Monday.

“Doctors advised treatment and medication at home so we are following their advice,” said the child’s father.