TEAM HERALD
PANJIM: As Goa recorded its first swine flu death, on Monday, doctors flagged the need for precautions, since Goa is vulnerable to H1N1 or swine flu, but they cautioned that there is no need to panic. On Tuesday, eight samples were sent for testing, which takes the total swabs sent till date to 22.
Five patients suspected to have swine flu have been detected as of now, and a 45 year old male, who returned to the state from Hong Kong on January 12, died. According to doctors the patient was diabetic and already sick when he arrived in Goa and was admitted immediately. However, due to his existing condition, the complications had already developed and he could not be saved.
Last week itself, there were three more cases. All were treated and discharged.
According to state epidemiologist Dr Utkarsh Betodkar, the epidemic is much bigger than the last outbreak in certain places. “People will definitely travel. And this time the outbreak in Rajasthan, Gujarat is larger than the last time. We will definitely get some cases. We have already got cases from outside and virus might be in the atmosphere,” he said, but added that there was no need to panic but precautions had to be taken.
“We are prepared. All things that are necessary are stocked at district hospitals, GMC and Chicalim,” Betodkar said.
Precautions:
* While coughing and sneezing, use a handkerchief.
* Use an alcohol based hand sanitiser
* Eat good food
* Take treatment from registered practitioner; no self medical medication because the faster you start treatment, the better it is as otherwise complications will start.
Symptoms:
* Cough, sneezing, sore throat
Complications:
* Initially shortness of breath and chest pain
Treatment:
* Better to get admitted; anti viral administration
