Agra: Of the 50 cases of swine flu that have surfaced in Agra district this year, 60% are children. Children, the elderly and pregnant women are most vulnerable to HINI virus that causes swine flu, according to health department sources.By Monday evening, five new cases were confirmed by the microbiology laboratory at SN Medical College (SNMC). So far, three patients, including a three-year-old girl, have succumbed to swine flu in the district.Meanwhile, the health department has sent notices to pathology labs, seeking details of suspected cases of swine flu.More cases of swine flu have surfaced in February than January, sources said. Around 30 new patients tested positive for swine flu in February. Three patients have succumbed to H1N1 virus since January. Out of these, one patient was a 55-year-old women from Sikandra. Another was a 28-year-old businessman from Maruti Estate Colony and a three-year-old girl from Barhan also died of swine flu.Health department has so far tested around 200 suspected patients of swine flu.Chief medical officer Mukesh Kumar Vats said, “HINI virus is a relatively new strain of an influenza virus that causes symptoms similar to regular flu. Children are more vulnerable to getting infected as they have a weak immunity system. Around 60% swine flu patients are children. We are providing them standard medical treatment. In over a dozen cases, condition of the ailing children has improved.”According to sources, swine cases are on the rise in the district. Private hospitals in the city are referring patients in critical condition to Delhi. Health department has no record of such patients. That is why private hospitals and laboratories have been asked to provide details of all suspected cases of swine flu.The health department does not accept reports of private centres regarding swine flu. Each of the suspected patient is tested again at the microbiology lab at SNMC.According to an advisory issued by the health authorities, swine flu patients have been divided in three categories. ‘Category A’ includes patients with symptoms of mild fever, cough, body ache, headache and loose motions. They do not need to get tested for swine flu and can be treated at home. ‘Category B’ patients include those with high fever and all other symptoms of ‘Category A’. These people, too, need not be tested for swine flu but can take Tamiflu capsules after medical advice.‘Category C’ patients include those with symptoms of breathlessness, headache, drowsiness, low blood pressure, blood in cough, blue nails or increase in seriousness of an old and ongoing disease. This category of patients should get tested for swine flu and take medical advice if they test positive so as to follow a proper regime of medicines.Health department has also advised that to protect oneself from contracting swine flu, one must cover one’s nose and mouth in crowded areas, wash hands frequently with soap and water, avoid touching one’s eyes, nose or mouth and avoid contact with sick people.

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