Amid Covid-19 surge, swine flu sharpens virus attack on dist

Ludhiana: At a time when Ludhiana is reporting a surge in Covid cases with CMCH study even suggesting the arrival of the 4th wave, emergence of swine flu has come as a double trouble for the district. While a BJP leader has died of suspected swine flu, two others have tested positive in the past 15 days in the district.
Dr Ramanpreet Kaur of Integrated Disease Surveillance Project (IDSP) said swine flu at this point of time is unusual as cases are normally reported close to the winters. She said last year, swine flu case had surfaced in September, with one patient succumbing to the virus.

Dr Ramanpreet said contacts of such patients are put on prophylactic treatment, which includes use of Tamiflu or antiviral drugs, for 10 days. She said a health team conducts a survey of the area to find out whether any other person has flu-like symptoms, including high grade fever. She added that they are creating awareness among people about the disease.
Civil surgeon Dr S P Singh said they may issue an advisory about swine flu in coming days. He said since the mode of transmission of swine flu and Covid-19 is same, adherance of Covid norms, including wearing of masks, maintaining social distancing etc, would help in checking both the diseases. The 5-year data of swine flu cases revealed that the district had reported maximum cases (86) in 2019 and highest deaths (18) in 2017. In 2021, there was one swine flu death. In 2020, there was no swine flu case reported in the district.
Dr Gurpreet Singh, senior consultant and head, department of pulmonary and critical care at a city hospital, said besides taking necessary precautions, people should have influenza vaccine which protects against swine flu too.