H1N1 spreads, but schools will stay open

Certain schools suspended classes after four students in Pune and six in Delhi tested positive for swine flu.

The government, however, says it has no plans to issue advisories asking states to shut down schools.

After 29 new laboratory-confirmed cases were reported on Thursday, the toll in India rose to 371. Of these, 237 people have been discharged after treatment.

The fresh cases were reported from Delhi (7), Bangalore (6), Chennai (4), Pune (4), Hyderabad (3), Thiruvananthapuram (2), Goa (2) and Coimbatore (1).

A senior health ministry officials, however, said, “Swine flu level in India is moderate which is why stringent measures such as closing schools are not required.

“Influenza-A H1N1 cases are less than 1% in the country. We have managed to contain the infection. There’s not been a single death. In fact, patients have been cured. As far as schools are concerned, closing them will not prove effective. The infection can be prevented from spreading if infected persons stay away from crowded places,” said Vineet Chawdhry, joint secretary in the health ministry.

Meanwhile, the government has decided to let private hospitals treat swine flu patients. “The decision was taken after some international passengers complained about the condition of government hospitals. However, private hospitals will have to follow our procedures and guidelines,” said Dr Shiv Lal, special DGHS (public health).
The government will provide Tamiflu, the only effective drug against H1N1, to these hospitals for treatment.

Three private hospitals in Bangalore – Lakeshore, Winlock and Manipal – and one in Pune have been permitted to admit flu patients. Other states too are in talks with private hospitals. The cost of treatment will, however, have to be borne by patients.
The government has also decided to enhance surveillance for tracking flu cases. The health ministry has asked all states to even report cases of pneumonia, since it has symptoms similar to flu.

Health experts fear there’s a strong possibility of a second wave. “Swine flu is not going to disappear so soon. It will last at least for the next two years,” RK Srivastawa, director general health services said. With a fear in mind, the government is gearing up for a long battle against the deadly virus that has killed 429 people globally. “We will adopt the home quarantine method if there are many cases,” said Maj Gen JK Bansal of the national disaster management authority.

According to WHO, all health authorities can implement vaccination campaigns once the first dose of the vaccine becomes available in September.