LUCKNOW: With spurt in fever cases, the demand for flu vaccine has also seen a 30% jump in the past 30 days. As the temperature drops, city residents are flocking to clinics to safeguard themselves against respiratory ailments, particularly the flu.Both private and government hospitals are advising patients, especially the elderly, to get vaccinated against flu.A wholesale medicine supplier Jai Arora said the demand for anti-flu vaccines traditionally increased during winters. However, this year an average of 130 vaccine shots were sold daily between August and September, showing a continued demand, he added.Officials of a prominent hospital on Kanpur Road, said they were experiencing a surge in requests for flu vaccines, with 4-5 vials in demand daily over the last month, compared to the previous rate of 1-2 vials per week.Pediatrician Dr Virat Verma said: More people, including children and those aged 50 and above, are seeking flu shots as a preventive measure. It has become like a regular vaccination. There are two reasons behind it: one is high frequency of viral infection and second is awareness. Former principal of Era medical college Prof MM Faridi said the increasing number of seasonal flu patients has prompted many to request vaccination in hopes of protection from various influenza viruses, including swine flu.Flu vaccine is particularly crucial for individuals with compromised immune systems, especially those with chronic illnesses, elderly and children, he added. We also published the following articles recentlyAntarctics first bird flu cases spark wildlife concernsThe first cases of bird flu have been found in seabirds in the Antarctic, raising concerns about the rapid spread of the disease among the densely populated colonies of birds and mammals in the region, according to the British Antarctic Survey. Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) was detected in brown skua populations on Bird Island, South Georgia. It is believed that the birds may have transported the disease from their migratory journeys to South America. The virus could have a devastating impact on the Antarctic wildlife population, which includes millions of breeding birds and various species of pinnipeds and cetaceans.District hospitals give Rs 30k/vial clot-busters free to 32 patientsBoth district hospitals in Goa have started administering thrombolysis to patients with acute ischemic stroke as part of the Goa Stroke Programme. Previously, this clot-busting drug was only available at the Goa Medical College and Hospital. Patients suspected of having a stroke are diagnosed clinically and through CT scans, and those confirmed to have a clot are given the drug within 4.5 hours. The drug, which costs approximately Rs 30,000 per vial, is provided free of cost. The programme aims to provide early treatment to improve patient outcomes and prevent complications.Goa: District hospitals give Rs 30k/vial clot-busters free to 32 patientsUnder the Goa Stroke Programme, both district hospitals in Goa have started administering a clot-busting drug to patients with acute ischemic stroke. Previously, the drug was only available at the Goa Medical College and Hospital. The diagnosis of stroke is based on clinical signs, symptoms, and CT scans. Patients with confirmed clots receive the drug within 4.5 hours. The drug, which costs around Rs 30,000 per vial, is provided free of charge. The Goa Stroke Programme aims to provide timely treatment and improve patient outcomes.

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