Swine flu claims 42 lives in Telangana since Jan 1

Hyderabad: As many as 42 persons have succumbed to swine flu and related complications while 831 people tested positive for the H1N1 virus in Telangana between January 1 and February 8 this year.

"In the current year, from January 1 till February 8, 2,542 samples have been tested, out of which 831 found to be positive and number of deaths because of other complications and swine flu are 42," a bulletin on swine flu issued by the state government said today.

It said 99 samples were tested yesterday and 33 have been found to be positive for the virus.

The number of positive cases reported in the last six days (up to February 8) is showing a decline in intensity.

"The figures are 18, 32, 20, 30 and 33," it said.

However, the citizens have been advised to take precautions and must report to a hospital on the first symptoms of swine flu, like high fever, sneezing, cough and body pains, it said.

Enough stock of medicines are available at all teaching hospitals, district hospitals and area hospitals, the bulletin said, adding, there are enough testing kits and kits for Viral Transport Medium (VTM).

Homoeopathy doctors have advised that homeo medicine can also be taken as a preventive measure under guidance of homoeopathy doctors.

Medicines are available free of cost at Government Homeo Hospital, Ramanthapur in the city and all AYUSH dispensaries.