20 cases have been reported positive in the last 10 days in the city which include five from Hyderabad district and 15 from the newly-carved out Medchal and Rangareddy districts respectively. Thirty-five-year-old Manjula, a Domalguda resident, a native of Yadadri district died in few hours after she was admitted in Gandhi Hospital on January 5. Health authorities confirmed the H1N1 virus in her swab samples two days after she passed away. “She came at a very late stage to our hospital and died within five to six hours of admission,” said Dr J V Reddy, superintendent, Gandhi Hospital. Though Gandhi hospital is treating only one in patient as of now but private hospitals across the city are reporting fresh H1N1 cases, said sources. “During a cold wave, there are more chances of viral infections including H1N1 virus spreading through droplets. This is more so in cases where patients either fall in the high risk group (such as pregnant women and elderly people) or are already suffering from upper respiratory tract infections, which makes them pre-disposed to catch the H1N1 infection,” said Dr Rahul Agrawal, senior consultant physician, Maxcure hospitals, Madhapur. The Telangana government confirmed that swine flu virus left eight persons dead last year including seven deaths recorded at Gandhi Hospital alone. Totally 120 positive cases were reported from the state including 98 cases from the city, according to a statement made by Telangana health minister Dr C Laxma Reddy in the legislative council recently. “Vaccination available in the market costing about Rs 1,000 is strongly recommended especially for high risk people,” said Dr Hari Kishan Boorugu, consultant Physician, Apollo Hospital, Hyderguda.

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