Lagatar24 Desk
Ranchi: Swine flu cases have begun emerging in Jharkhand, with RIMS conducting 26 tests between January and August 27, of which 8 returned positive, notably with all eight cases reported exclusively in the month of August.
HOD Says Infection Spreading Due to Inter-State Travel
Dr. Ashok, head of RIMS’s Microbiology Department, said the infection was reaching Jharkhand due to people travelling in and out of other states, adding that while there was no need for panic, caution remained essential.
Testing Facility Available at RIMS
RIMS has testing facilities available for swine flu, with samples collected via throat and nasal swabs from patients, followed by RT-PCR testing to confirm infection.
Dr. Ashok Himself Tested Positive After Delhi Visit
Dr. Ashok, the department’s HOD, was himself infected with swine flu after attending a government meeting in Delhi. He said his health deteriorated after returning from the trip, and a test conducted on Saturday confirmed a positive result. He has since recovered and returned to work.
Symptoms and Precautions
Swine flu can spread through coughing and sneezing from an infected person. Its major symptoms include high fever, body aches, headache, sore throat, nausea and vomiting, with diarrhoea occurring in some cases. Wearing masks and regular handwashing are recommended preventive measures.
Doctor Advises Calm, Recommends Hydration and Basic Precautions
According to Dr. Ashok, there is no major cause for alarm over swine flu, as the illness often resolves on its own in many cases, though medical consultation is advised for severe symptoms. He recommended drinking adequate water, including coconut water, and taking paracetamol under medical guidance if fever occurs. He stressed the importance of wearing masks, washing hands frequently, and avoiding touching the nose, mouth and eyes without clean hands to prevent infection. Dr. Ashok added that the eight positive cases identified at RIMS should not cause panic, as the infection can be avoided through basic precautions.
