Man dies of swine flu, sixth death in city this year

LUCKNOW:A 51-year-old man died of swine flu, which was the sixth swine flu death this year in the state capital.

“The man, a resident of Daliganj area, died on October 19. The death audit confirmed death due to swine flu today (Saturday),” said Yogesh Raghuvanshi, district health education officer.

Lucknow, with 550 swine flu cases, tops the chart among 61 districts in UP that have collectively reported 2086 cases till now. Out of the 36 swine flu deaths across the state, Lucknow has reported six.

Experts said swine flu morbidity cycle starts during winter and extends up to April or May, hence awareness drives to promulgate preventive measures should start now.

Explaining the preventive measures, Dr PK Gupta, former president of IMA, Lucknow said when sneezing, one should put a handkerchief or place his/her elbow in front of the mouth so that droplets do not pass on to other people.

“If you practice good hygiene, particularly hand washing five times a day, 40% cases of swine flu and other such diseases can be controlled,” said Dr Gupta.

“Till now number of serious swine flu patients has been less. But as winter is approaching, people must take preventive measures to remain safe,” said Dr Ved Prakash, HoD, pulmonary and critical care medicine, at the KGMU. He said a person who is afflicted with flu should avoid crowded places, social gatherings and should see a doctor before the problem aggravates.

“Hospitals have been asked to make isolation wards for swine flu patients and we have got stock of medicines, masks for patients and protection kits and vaccine for healthcare providers,” said Dr Narendra Agrawal, chief medical officer of Lucknow.