After the sudden outbreak of swine flu cases in many parts of the city, Chennai has started taking measures against the deadly virus. The Chennai Corporation has directed all educational bodies to avoid large gatherings. Also, students have been advised to not plan a trip to places which have been severely affected by the H1N1 virus.
After the end of North East Monsoon, the rain has decreased and the day temperature has been hovering around 31 – 33°C. The night temperature falls just a few degrees ranging from 20 – 22°C. This temperature range is ideal for virus to sustain & spread. Another reason for the increasing virus is moisture filled air that also prevents the virus from moving away.
An anti-viral drug has been given to those 42 people whose neighbours were infected by the H1N1 virus. Till now 10 cases of H1N1 have been identified which triggered the civic body to track all patients who have traveled to the city from other parts of the country. The corporation is offering the anti-viral drug Tamiflu free of cost and has asked people with symptoms of the virus to visit the government hospital or dispensaries.
If students develop symptoms of the flu, parents have been advised to keep them at home for at least seven days. Teachers have also been advised to conduct an active screening of the students with symptoms of flu and only then begin with regular classes. Also, schools have been directed to display a list of do's and don'ts on the H1N1 infection at important areas.
Meanwhile in Coimbatore, there has been a sudden increase in the number of viral fever cases for last one month. The government hospital gets nearly 25 cases every day. There will be a drop in these cases as soon as warmer days set in. According to doctors in the city, the virus has become resistant to several drugs & recovery time for viral fever has increased by few days in the last two to three years.
