Two more swine flu deaths in Kashmir

Srinagar, Feb 20 (IANS) With two more swine flu patients dying overnight, four people have so far been killed by the infection in Kashmir.

Dr. Parvaiz Koul, head of medicine in the super specialty Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) in summer capital Srinagar Friday told IANS, "Two more patients, a male and a female who had tested positive for H1N1 virus have died yesterday."

"Thirteen persons tested positive for the swine flu virus yesterday taking the number of confirmed H1N1 infected patients to 84 in the Valley."

Koul said not all swine flu patients are admitted at SKIMS.

The standard protocol for treating a swine flu patient is to ensure isolation of the patient preferably at home.

The patients have been given medicines and instructions especially about remaining away from social and religious functions so that the virus does not spread in the society.

"Family members of the patients have also been advised to adhere to strict compliance of instructions while helping the patients fight the infection."

The senior doctor who is renowned for treating pulmonary diseases said the hospital has an isolation ward for treating such patients where ten of them suffering from swine flu infection are presently being treated.

Koul said there is no reason for panic as most of the H1N1 patients get well once the infection is detected and treatment is started.

"The mortality rate in patients where H1N1 virus is detected early and treatment started is very low," Koul said.