Prayagraj: After a woman from trans-Ganga found positive for H1N1 (swine flu) infection in Sangam city, officials of health department on Sunday stepped up surveillence appealing citizens to take preventive measures. The woman was admitted at isolation ward of SRN hospital for treatment.Officials of district health department claimed that they have stepped up surveillance and reserved beds for H1N1 patients at all district hospitals.A senior health official told TOI that after one positive case of swine flu has been detected in the Prayagraj district, the district health administration has made all necessary arrangements to treat patients.He added, “A 10-bed isolation ward has been set up at Tej Bahadur Sapru hospital, and a 40-bed isolation ward is ready at Swaroop Rani Nehru (SRN) hospital.”Moreover, private hospitals and pathology centres were instructed on Central govt guidelines for H1N1 testing and treatment through a video conference, he said. H1N1 tests and medicines are available free of cost at all district govt hospitals.Doctors advised people with fever, cough, cold or similar symptoms to consult a doctor at the nearest health facility and avoid self-medication. In case of an emergency, people can contact the CMO office.Doctors said H1N1 spreads through droplets released during coughing and sneezing and through contact with contaminated surfaces. People should cover their mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing, wash their hands regularly, avoid handshakes and limit visits to crowded places.According to the health department, children below 10 years, people above 70 years, pregnant women and those suffering from diabetes, cancer, HIV/AIDS, blood disorders, neurological diseases or lung, heart, kidney and liver ailments are at a higher risk of complications from H1N1 infection.
