As many as 12 persons have succumbed to the H1N1 Influenza A (swine flu) and co-morbid conditions in Punjab. With four new patients tested positive for H1N1 on Monday, the total number of persons suffering from swine flu in the state has reached 34 in the period starting from January 1 till Monday, February 8. Till date, the total suspected patients in the State are 82.
The State Health and Family Welfare department has also started a toll-free helpline number 104 to report the cases. “As large number of cases along with number of deaths is being reported from different States across the country, Punjab has also showed positivity of 34 positive cases of H1N1 Influenza A out of 82 suspected cases from January 1 till February 8,” said an official; spokesperson of the Punjab health department.
He said that the State is providing free testing facilities for confirmation of disease and free treatment to all the patients reporting in the State. “Sufficient number of ventilators, isolation wards and other logistics such as medicines etc are available for management of cases,” he said. Spokesperson said that the people are advised to report early, that is within 48 hrs, to the nearest health institution, in case any flu like symptoms arise. People are also advised to wash their hands frequently and cover their mouth and nose while sneezing or coughing, he added.