Punjab Government is all ready to take up an outbreak of swine flu in the State. Civil surgeons have been given directions to ward off H1N1 influenza virus, by taking all precautionary measures.
The official spokesperson appointed by the health department has stated, “Necessary instructions have been issued to the civil surgeons to ensure the availability of medical and para- medical staff and take all precautionary measures to check the spread of swine flu cases in the state.” This has been done as a precautionary measure because of the climatic changes towards cold weather that may lead to the growth of the swine flu virus, called H1N1.
The civil surgeons have been asked to spruce up their arrangements in hospitals, “especially, handling even suspected swine flu patients, if any”.
Isolation wards will also have been set up, ventilators are made ready and adequate amount of Tamiflu has been arranged to come to use in case of emergency. Round the clock vigil has been organized to keep an eye on the health situation of residents, via the State surveillance units. These units have also been given the proper training that is imperative to deal with patients during a swine flu outbreak, said the official. The civil surgeons have been asked to organize a meeting with IMA and impart proper information “education, and communication (IEC) activities in their respective districts”.
The official confirmed that the State surveillance unit will have to be submitted a daily report from the private hospitals and they will also have to adhere strictly to the swine flu guidelines laid down , “24×7 monitoring will be done at the directorate-level and complete vigil will also be maintained,” he stated.
The government has requested people to rush to the health center
near their homes the moment their notice symptoms like cough, cold, and high temperature and get their treatment started. The blood samples of the people will be taken right away if needed said the authorities. The best way, say the authorities, is to stay away from crowded places and in case you meet a person with the symptoms its best to stay two feet away from such people. Hands need to be very regularly sanitized, and people with cold and cough need to keep a cloth or handkerchief while sneezing.
