While some say there isn't enough information about the virus, others insist it's sensitive enough to be killed by a hand sanitiser
While some say there isn't enough information about the virus, others insist it's sensitive enough to be killed by a hand sanitiser
As Mumbaikars continue to rush to hospitals to get themselves tested for swine flu, much ambiguity still exists among doctors about the virus's potency.
In Pune, even though the parents of Reeda Shaikh complained that the hospital had wrapped her body before burial and not allowed them a glimpse, some say that it was a necessary precaution. "Too little is known about the virus.
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In corpses, body fluids do ooze out of open cavities and if these aerosolise, there is a potential that the virus could spread.
'Be hygienic'
However, others say that there is no reason for untoward panic. "The virus is sensitive and can be warded off with simple good hygienic habits like washing hands frequently or using an alcoholic hand rub.
Even aftershave could work, but people need to use a product with 70 per cent alcohol content or above," said Dr Abhay Chowdhary, director of Haffkine Institute and head of microbiology at JJ Hospital.
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Haffkine has now finally been commissioned to act as a testing centre for swine flu. "We have seven people working at the national influenza centre in our premises and will increase staff if required.
However, we can only test samples sent to us and that are collected clinically from designated hospitals," said Chowdhary.
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And those concerned about a relapse have little to worry about. "If a person recovers from the influenza disease episode, then that person would be immune to the specific virus strain that has caused the disease," said Dr S J Habayeb, WHO representative.
4 test positive
Yesterday, eight people, including two children below the age of 16, were admitted to Kasturba Hospital on suspicion of swine flu.
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Four more have tested positive for the virus. Hospital superintendent Umesh Aigal said that the existing 20-bed isolation ward was now at its full capacity and an additional 20-bed ward would be opened once more suspects were admitted.
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The hospital yesterday again witnessed long queues of anxious patients waiting to be tested.
Flu Update
The BMC distributed guidelines to all schools and colleges stating the dos and don'ts related to the epidemic.
All educational institutions are now required to immediately inform local health authorities once two or four children are absent on account of flu like symptoms.
All staffers displaying symptoms should be asked to stay away from school for a week until they have fully recovered.
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