The government should take serious cognizance of the cases of flue which are said to be on rise in Kashmir. Even doctors association has expressed its serious concern of the surging number and have issues dos and don’ts for the public.
The deaths reported due to swine flu in Kashmir should be also a matter of serious concern for the J&K administration. While people should take precautionary measures, the government must also take some concrete steps to meet any kind of eventuality.
As the doctors have already advised for timely use of antiviral drugs which can prevent deaths, the people should immediately consult doctors if and when they observe any kind of symptoms related to flu and cold.
Treatment with antivirals within 2 days of onset of symptoms reduces the risk of death in flu patients by 60%, the doctors have said, adding that clinical and observational data show that antiviral treatment shortens the duration of illness and makes flu milder.
The experts have also advised clinicians to prescribe antiviral medication to flu patients as early as possible and should not wait for the lab test results as delay could be fatal.
People at high risk of complications include children, elderly, pregnant women and those with underlying medical conditions should take extra precautions and consult their doctors on regular basis.
While the government should take stock of availability of anti viral drugs in government run hospital, the hospital administration should also make isolated wards available for imminent patients.
The government must also coordinate with the union health ministry to make special quarantine facilities available in Jammu and Kashmir at its airports to check the foreigners especially coming from the coronavirus infected countries. Sooner the better.
