Amid a rise in COVID-19 and H1N1 (swine flu) cases in Uttarakhand, AIIMS Rishikesh Director Meenu Singh has urged people to remain cautious but said there is currently no reason to panic.
Speaking to ANI on Monday, Singh said the hospital had recorded around 20-25 COVID-19 positive patients over the past month.
Two of them developed severe symptoms and required treatment in the ICU.
"Over the past month or so, around 20 to 25 patients tested positive for COVID-19. However, the two patients you are referring to were more severe cases, and both were admitted to the ICU," Singh said.
One of the ICU patients, who had diabetes and pneumonia, responded to treatment and was subsequently discharged.
"The first patient also had diabetes and pneumonia. As we've seen previously, patients with pre-existing conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or other illnesses tend to develop more severe COVID-19 symptoms. This patient was admitted, received treatment, recovered, and has been discharged," she said.
The second patient also had underlying health conditions but could not survive, Singh said.
"However, the second patient admitted to the ICU had underlying health issues as well, and unfortunately, that patient did not survive. So, out of the roughly 30 patients who came in, one passed away, and one required ICU admission. The remaining patients did not face any significant issues," Singh added.
AIIMS Reactivates Screening Facility
With government alerts being issued over seasonal infections and reports of COVID-19 and H1N1 co-infections, AIIMS Rishikesh has stepped up its screening measures.
"Since the government has issued alerts, and we are seeing co-infections of COVID-19 and H1N1 (Swine Flu) in some individuals--which can lead to more severe conditions--we are taking precautions," she said.
The hospital has reactivated its screening OPD, which will assess patients arriving with symptoms such as fever and cough.
"Until now, swine flu testing was not being conducted for all patients. We have now reactivated the screening OPD, just like during the peak of COVID-19. Anyone presenting with a fever or cough will be tested for COVID-19, as well as via viral PCR for Swine Flu," Singh said.
Singh also explained that treatment approaches differ for the two infections.
"Since there is a specific treatment available for Swine Flu--like the medication Oseltamivir (Tamiflu)--we can administer that. For COVID-19, as you know, there isn't a single specific cure, so supportive care is primarily provided," she said.
No Major COVID Resurgence, Says AIIMS Director
Despite the recent cases, Singh said the situation does not currently point towards a major resurgence of COVID-19.
"At present, there isn't a huge surge in patients, so there is no need to panic about a major pandemic resurgence. We are seeing sporadic, small outbreaks, similar to earlier reports from Odisha and Andhra Pradesh," she said.
She added that the hospital has systems and resources in place to deal with any increase in cases.
"We are fully prepared to handle whatever situation arises. We have the necessary resources, systems, and protocols in place to provide effective treatment," she added.
Singh particularly advised people with underlying health conditions to take extra precautions in crowded places.
"My main message is that there is no need to panic. However, if you are visiting crowded places and have underlying health conditions--such as uncontrolled diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney disease, an organ transplant, or ongoing cancer treatment--it is strongly recommended that you wear a mask," she said.
"Masks offer significant protection, and practising regular handwashing is equally important," Singh added.
She also urged people experiencing symptoms to seek medical care rather than delay treatment.
"If you develop a fever, cough, or worsening symptoms, please visit the hospital. You will be tested, and any necessary treatment or medication will be provided," Singh said.
IMA Issues H1N1 Advisory
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) issued a public health advisory on August 26 regarding the seasonal rise in Influenza A (H1N1) cases during the monsoon.
The IMA advised people against self-medicating with antibiotics or antiviral medicines and recommended seeking immediate medical attention if severe symptoms develop.
According to the advisory, India is witnessing a seasonal increase in H1N1 infections, with metropolitan areas such as Delhi reporting more than 1,770 laboratory-confirmed cases.
Cases have also been reported from Maharashtra, Karnataka and West Bengal.
The IMA said surveillance by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has found that the circulating virus remains seasonal Influenza A (H1N1), with no novel genetic mutations detected.
