Influenza cases increase to 1,044 in Tamil Nadu

CHENNAI: The number of cases of Influenza have increased to 1,044 in the State. The state health department officials say that the cases are in control but at least 200 cases of AH1N1 influenza are being reported in a day.

Health Minister Ma Subramanian on Sunday said that 68 people are admitted to the hospitals in various districts of Tamil Nadu, while all other cases are being managed in home isolation and out patient treatment.

"There is nothing for the public to panic as the incidence of cases in this particular part of the year is common. It is a normal flu and there can be symptoms of fever, cold, cough, sore throat and body ache. It is not only children but even elders are likely to be affected. There can be household transmission of the infection and thus, it is important for the members of the family to cover their mouth even inside the homes," the health minister said.

He said that the safety regulations such as use of sanitisers, use of masks and social distancing are being practiced in all parts of the world and we should not assume that these safety protocols are not required.

"The neighbouring district of Kerala is also seeing a surge in the cases, and even COVID-19 cases are being reported in large numbers in several parts of the world. As the COVID-19 cases are also increasing in the State, the safety norms will help to prevent us from flu as well as COVID-19," health minister added.

Though the opposition leader O Panneerselvam had urged to declare the holiday in schools because of the increase in the cases of flu, there is no such requirement right now and students who are not well, should just stay home and stay in isolation. It is not a new infection, health minister said.