At least five deaths have taken place due to the swine flu at SK Institute of Medical Sciences here this year.
Sources said that among the victims, three belonged to Budgam and one each from other two districts of central Kashmir, Srinagar and Ganderbal respectively.
Presently, they said, five patients are admitted at SKIMS and are “stable.”
Medical superintendent SKIMS Dr Syed Amin Tabish confirmed the deaths. He however said they were suffering from other diseases and H1N1 influenza.
“One among the patients was suffering from blood cancer. Another had intestine cut for treatment for cancer and there are other diseases and the H1N1 influenza adds to cause of deaths,” he told news agency GNS.
He also confirmed that five patients are presently under treatment and “all of them are stable.”
He said that it was imperative that the patient with severe symptoms report immediately to good hospital where facilities for treatment are available.
“There should not be delay. Normally there is tendency among patients and family members let us visit hospital tomorrow or day after tomorrow but they should immediately report to nearest good hospital,” he said.
He said that cautions are required. Those having season flu are better advised to stay home and take rest, he said.
“They should take lot of fluids. Take proper rest and have adequate sleep. They should avoid crowds. But those who have severe symptoms must immediately report to the good hospital. Those with minor symptoms are not required to visit hospital but take caution,” he said.
He said that people are also advised to take vaccine in September and October. “Those who have not taken it can do so in November particularly high risk patients like children below five years of age, pregnant women, elderly, people above 65 years of age, those suffering from chronic diseases,” he said.