Pune has highest H1N1 deaths - are you at risk? Act now and be safe
Out of the 67 deaths in the PMC limits, 28 patients were diagnosed with other medical problems making their immune system weaker and making them more prone to this virus.
People suffering from some lung or liver disease, those with hypertension and diabetes and pregnant women need to take greater precaution against H1N1, the Pune Municipal Corporation’s (PMC) health department has advised.
Speaking to Hindustan Times, PMC’s Assistant Health Officer Dr Anjali Sabne said, “H1N1 has become endemic and can be seen throughout the year. Out of the 67 deaths in the PMC limits, 28 patients were diagnosed with other medical problems making their immune system weaker and making them more prone to this virus. Also 20 deaths have occurred due to delay in taking treatment, which is another major concern in H1N1 patients.”
Dr. Sabne and another doctor from a government hospital said it would be advisable for people who are suffering from some lung or liver disease or those with hypertension, diabetes and pregnant women who are prone to this virus, to take the vaccination.
According to the health department, a total of 525 H1N1 deaths have been registered across the country out of which Maharashtra has registered the highest, at 248.
After Maharashtra, Gujarat has registered the maximum of 61 H1N1 deaths and Tamil Nadu has registered 57 H1N1 deaths. PMC’s health department said that out of the 248 H1N1 deaths registered in the state, 67 were registered within PMC limits.
“Death audits across the state have shown that out of the total H1N1 deaths so far, close to 70 % of the patients have been diagnosed with some other illness as well,” the doctors said.
“H1N1 is a virus which spreads in the air and nothing can be done to prevent this.
“Pune’s climate being more suitable for the survival of this virus, it has now become endemic and can be seen throughout the year just like normal flu. What needs to be addressed is the rising death of H1N1 patients. To ensure this vaccination can help to a large extent,” doctors added.
They stated that H1N1 virus is seen changing its appearance a little every year. Earlier the virus could not survive in very humid regions, but recently it can be seen spreading through Mumbai as well.