125 fever camps held to contain influenza cases

Coimbatore: Health authorities on Friday conducted 84 fever camps in rural areas and another 41 in the city corporation limits in the wake of rise in flu cases in the district.
Dr P Aruna, deputy director of health services, said fever cases were usually reported in monsoon season. "This summer, flu cases are on the rise. Fever camps are being conducted to contain the spread as well as to prevent people from taking self-medication."
Pointing out that 2% to 5% of the total outpatients in hospitals reporting fever cases were considered normal, she said presently around 10% of the outpatients in hospitals were reporting flu cases. "It is abnormally high for a summer season. Seven fever camps are being conducted in each of the blocks in the district."
Fever patients, Aruna said, mostly suffer from running nose, sore throat and body pain as well. "In some cases, coughing is also reported. Generally, these symptoms will vanish in seven days. If it is pneumonia, coughing is reported for two to three weeks. It is not advisable to take over-the-counter tablets. People should consult a doctor and take medication."
She also appealed people to wear face masks and stay away from crowded places, and requested them to isolate themselves if they were having flu symptoms. "People should take vitamin C-rich food to improve immunity."
City health officer Dr Pradeep V Krishnakumar said the places for fever camps were chosen based on the flu cases reported in the past few days. "Camps will be conducted till further instructions from the state government. There is no need to panic. People should, however, take precautions to keep the infection at bay."