Docs raise red flag over surge in HINI influenza in Kashmir
NL Correspondent
SRINAGAR: Atleast seven people have died by HINI influenza at the Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences in the last one month, with experts predicting surge of the viral disease in the coming months in Kashmir.
Director SKIMS, Dr A G Ahangar, said that 24 patients including three doctors of the institute have been tested positive of HINI disease so far.
“Twelve people have been discharged, five are being treated at the SKIMS, while seven died in the last around one month,” he told a presser.
However, he said that those who lost their lives were also suffering from co morbidity-diseases like cancer, leukemia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), old age, diabetes, weak immune system, and hypertension. “The latest death took place on November 16,” he said. The Director SKIMS said that there was no need to get panicked by the HINI influenza.
“We have adequate facilities available here to cope up with the diseases. But it is not necessary that those suffering from cold, cough, running nose or fever is tested positive,” he said.
He said that district hospitals were “unnecessary” sending patients suspected of being positive of HINI virus to the SKIMS. “The peripheral hospitals are only washing off their hands and the SKIMS bear a maximum brunt to treat such patients. The district hospitals have equipments, drugs available, despite that they send such patients here.”
He said that SKIMS was also well equipped to restrict the disease from spreading. “People too should take measures to prevent from flu at their homes.”
He also denied the allegations that a female warden of Government Women Polytechnic College Bemina died due to “negligence” of SKIMS. “There was no negligence on part of the SKIMS into female warden's death. She was brought here, when her condition had deteriorated. She had stayed at home for four days. She died within hours when brought her here.”
On the reports that doctors were at risk who perform their duties in high-risk areas—the intensive care unit and the isolation ward, he said, “We take measures that they don't get infected. We have administered 250 vaccinations to our staff and has ordered 2000 more vaccinations,” he said.
When asked whether the SKIMS had adequate number of vaccinations available for prevention of HINI influenza, he replied, “We procure the vaccinations as per the demand. We don't want vaccinations to get expired because they have a limited shelf-life.”
The Director SKIMS said that they expect surge in HINI in the coming months. “In India, the viral diseases spread in September. While in Kashmir, we were anticipating HINI flu would emerge in February and March, and not expecting in September or October. So it is a right time to take measures like vaccinations to those patients who are prone to such diseases,” he said.
On the occasion, Doctor Aijaz Koul, consultant infectious diseases, SKIMS, said the increase in viral disease was a global phenomenon. “The world has seen surge in infectious diseases like HINI. They happen due to seasonal variation when there is dip in temperature.”
“The HINI cases are likely to go up in Kashmir in the coming months. The high risk patients should take measures to prevent from these diseases. Those who have weak immune system should take measures to prevent from it,” he said.
He also cautioned people not to take anti-biotics without consultations from a doctor.
