H1N1: Most infections acquired from hospital

  • | Friday | 16th November, 2018

We are yet to ascertain if there are small genetic changes that tricked the body’s immune system to beat herd immunity,” he said. CHENNAI: No major mutations were noted in the H1N1 virus that has been fast spreading across Tamil Nadu, particularly Chennai and its suburbs. Reports from the Kings Institute of Preventive Medicine showed that the virus, Michigan strain, continues to remain sensitive to the drug of choice oseltamivir “There is no change in the strain. It is done more frequently at the wards and intensive care units. Checkup and screening for antenatal mothers are being done after 11 am when rush at outpatient clinic settles.“The outpatient blocks will have to be washed with antimicrobial solutions at least thrice a day.

CHENNAI: No major mutations were noted in the H1N1 virus that has been fast spreading across Tamil Nadu, particularly Chennai and its suburbs. Reports from the Kings Institute of Preventive Medicine showed that the virus, Michigan strain, continues to remain sensitive to the drug of choice oseltamivir “There is no change in the strain. We thought it might have undergone an antigenic change to tide over herd immunity and survive hostile environment because we did see herd immunity after one bout of fever ,” said director of public health Dr K Kolandasamy.“As of now we know there are no major mutations and treatment works. We are yet to ascertain if there are small genetic changes that tricked the body’s immune system to beat herd immunity,” he said. Ongoing research and tests should provide answers soon, he said.What has left the health department worried is that more than half of the infected persons had a history of hospital visit mostly for treatment of other ailments.“People with respiratory illness, chronic heart or kidney diseases or cancer who visited hospitals for treatment seemed to have picked up the infection from hospitals,” he said. Incidentally, most number of cases have been reported from Chennai, Tiruvallur and Kancheepuram, besides Vellore, Salem, Erode and Coimbatore, where the density of hospitals are higher.While priority is to encourage people to consult doctors instead of self-medication, a series of guidelines issued by the health department to hospitals has directed them to keep fever patients in outpatient units away from high risk groups such as pregnant women, elderly, children and people with chronic ailments so cross infection can be prevented. Checkup and screening for antenatal mothers are being done after 11 am when rush at outpatient clinic settles.“The outpatient blocks will have to be washed with antimicrobial solutions at least thrice a day. It is done more frequently at the wards and intensive care units. Hand wash and sanitizers have been kept in many locations so patients and relatives can maintain hand hygiene,” said ICH director Dr A T Arasar Seeralar.Health officials in local bodies are also asking schools and educational institutions to keep soaps in all washrooms.

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