OPS urges DMK govt to take measures controlling flu virus spread

CHENNAI: The former chief minister and ousted AIADMK leader O Panneerselvam on Sunday urged the DMK government for taking effective measures to bring the spreading of flu virus fever among children under control. He also said that the government should also take steps to create awareness among the parents with regard to the flu fever and declare holidays for schools for the time being.

He pointed out that amid a slight increase in coronavirus cases in the state, due to the spread of the flu virus the number of patients visiting the hospitals has increased. "Since the spread of the virus has increased among the children, several hundred patients were getting admitted especially in the Egmore children's hospital at Chennai", he added.

"Since the flu, which is accompanied by cold and cough, will also spread to others, especially among the children in the schools, a situation has come for taking precautious measures as it was done during COVID-19 pandemic situation", he said adding "health experts have also warned that people aged above 60 years should be very careful.

The deputy leader of the opposition in the House also advised that families, that were affected by flu, should stay at home so that it would not spread to others. "In addition, they should also avoid taking food outside", he said adding "those who have a continuous fever should voluntarily come to get tested and take medicines accordingly".

Pointing out that the Puducherry government had declared holidays for the students studying from Class one to Class VII, Paneerselvam said "though the government had requested the students avoid going to schools if they have a fever, some schools were indulging in forcing the children to come to classes citing exams".

"Therefore, the chief minister should intervene immediately for taking measures to control the spread of flu virus besides announcing holidays to the schools for a while", he added.