9 deaths due to Influenza in TN this year

CHENNAI: As many as nine deaths due to seasonal flu or AH1N1 Influenza have been recorded since January in Tamil Nadu so far, Health Minister Ma Subramanian said on Friday. As many as 282 children are being treated for flu across the State, of which 13 are admitted to government hospitals.

"It is common for children to experience the symptoms of fever and flu like illness and it gets better in 2-3 days, but Influenza is slightly severe in nature and might take a few more days to recover completely. The patients affected will take more time to recover when compared to normal fever that occurs due to seasonal changes, he said.

He added that the infection is easily transmissible and thus, it is important to ensure adequate distance between children, if they are experiencing any symptoms such as fever, cold or cough. While coughing or sneezing, the infection is likely to spread. He urged parents to encourage the use of masks and even inside the homes, it is advisable to wear masks and maintain distance from the person affected with Influenza.

The healthcare officials with the Institute of Child Health said that the children admitted to the government hospitals are under supervision and no major complications have been reported.

Earlier the Health Minister, along with Chepauk MLA Udhayanidhi Stalin inaugurated a new RO purified drinking water facility for the public at the Royapettah Government General Hospital on Friday. They also inspected the new building being conducted at the hospital as part of the upgradation of the hospital.