H1N1 in Ahmedabad
City-based experts said that as the H1N1 test costs between Rs 4,000 and Rs 6,000, it is generally advised only in cases with moderate to severe symptoms. Dr Harjit Singh Dumra, critical care specialist at KD Hospital, said that the share of hospitalisation in H1N1 is generally 10-15%. Because infections were less severe, city-based physicians said that, compared to the past couple of surges, hospitalisations were fewer this time.
After a blood test, doctors confirmed H1N1 , colloquially known as swine flu .
“A course of medicines has stabilised her,” Mukesh said. “Flu cases surged after the recent spells of rain,” Mehta said. Generally, Mehta said, symptoms last for five to six days. Thus, the experts said, the actual number of cases could be higher than the lab-tested ones. “Of these patients, 30-40% require ICU treatment due to severe symptoms,” he said. “In the overall population, the number is smaller.”
Riddhi felt unusual weakness and had a high-grade fever. As she was in pain, the family took her to a hospital. This case is part of a surge of H1N1 cases in the city, recorded in OPD treatments and hospital admissions. Afterwards, some patients experience fatigue and weakness, he added.
He added, “In this round of infections, we see patients with existing lung and heart conditions, uncontrolled diabetes, compromised immunity, or cancer and transplant history.”