Latest news with #H1N1
Indian Express
5 days ago
- Health
- Indian Express
Plan on advanced centre for infectious diseases at GMCH-32 shelved
In January 2022, the UT Administration had approved the establishment of an advanced centre for infectious diseases on a 1.6-acre plot on the GMCH-32 campus. Now, three years later, the plan has been shelved, and a new Academic Block 2 has been proposed. 'The government is very keen to increase MBBS seats, as the plan is to have a better doctor-patient ratio and so we will need more lecture theatres, infrastructure and more facilities for more MBBS and MD students,' explains Prof A K Attri, Director-Principal of GMCH-32. As of now, GMCH-32 offers 150 MBBS seats, with an increase in seats done between 2013 and 2019, and the post-graduation seats at the hospital are 157. The director hopes that the MBBS seats will increase to 250, resulting in more patient care for the increasing number of patients from across the region, keeping in line with the Central government's plan. 'The plans for the new academic block have already been submitted to the Architecture Department more than a month back,' adds Dr Attri. The move for an advanced centre for infectious diseases came after the emergence of infections like H1N1 and Covid-19 and the need to provide specialised services to patients from across the region for infectious and communicable diseases. It was also highlighted that viral infections, tuberculosis, bacterial and fungal pneumonia are prevalent in this geographical region, and the centre would provide treatment under one roof. Dr Attri said, 'We now have several facilities for critical care, with a new trauma block ready to be inaugurated this month at GMCH-32, and one being planned in Mani Majra by GMSH-16 and PGI, also offering super-speciality services, and so the plan for more seats for MBBS and MD.' Incidentally, the PGIMER has also received final approval to develop a 100-bed medical college at Sarangpur, setting the ground for the institute to offer MBBS for the first time, expanding healthcare infrastructure in the region, and giving more opportunities to aspiring doctors.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Cusat conducts online classes to prevent spread of viral fever
Kochi: Cochin University of Science and Technology (Cusat) has taken precautionary measures to stop the spread of viral fever and H1N1 on the campus after two students contracted H1N1. Some students are diagnosed with viral fever. "Vice-chancellor ordered to switch all regular classes in Cusat on Friday, to online mode due to the recent outbreak of viral fever H1N1, and influenza diseases reported from some corners," stated an email communication sent by university registrar to head of the departments on Wednesday. Earlier on Wednesday, unit committee of SFI at the university too had written to registrar seeking the university to conduct classes online due to health concerns at the hostel. "Although only a few students have tested positive for H1N1, influenza and chickenpox, a significant number of students are currently showing symptoms of these infections," stated the letter written by SFI unit secretary Peeyoosh. Cusat registrar Arun A U told TOI that there is no situation of concern and mentioned that the decision is intended to curb the spread of fever during the monsoon. "Classes have been made online for just one day. Regular classes will continue on Monday. We also took the decision as students could go to their homes, as they can have extended time at home since it was a holiday on Thursday," said Arun.
The Hindu
21-07-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Student tests positive for H1N1 fever at Cusat
The authorities of Cochin University of Science and Technology (Cusat) said on Monday (July 21) that there has been a spike in fever cases on the campus. A student was tested positive for H1N1 fever. A hostel inmate, the student has left for home after it was confirmed, they said. Hostels have not been closed, though inmates have been told to comply with the guidelines. The departments have been told to switch to online classes, if about 50% of the students are experieincing fever. The fever situation is not alarming as there has been a general increase in such cases, they said.
United News of India
20-07-2025
- Health
- United News of India
Kerala Health Dept denies H1N1 cases in Kollam
South Kollam (Kerala), July 20 (UNI) The Kerala Health Department has termed as baseless the reports circulating about confirmed H1N1 cases in this district of the State. In the wake of confirmed cases of Influenza A in schools within the district, the District Surveillance Officer and team visited the affected institutions and issued necessary guidelines. Seven school children in the district have tested positive for the illness. "Influenza is a respiratory illness caused by a virus and presents symptoms such as fever, cough, and sore throat. Children showing these symptoms should avoid attending school and coming into contact with others," they said. If fever cases are observed in schools, the authorities must inform health workers and maintain a fever register. Mask usage in schools should be encouraged. Personal hygiene must be strictly followed. It is also mandatory to report daily updates to the Health Department. UNI DS ARN
The Hindu
18-07-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Ernakulam witnesses spike in influenza cases
Ernakulam has recorded a spike in cases of infection caused by influenza viruses. Over 250 influenza cases had been reported over the past month, according to data provided by the Department of Health. Two students of Union Christian College, Aluva, tested positive for H1N1 influenza as of Friday (July 18). The college authorities said necessary control measures had been initiated on the instructions of the Health authorities. A total of 194 influenza cases were reported in the district between July 1 and July 17. On July 8, as many as 31 cases were recorded. A 12-year-old girl from Ayyapmpuzha had succumbed to fever on July 8, though the authorities are yet to confirm the exact reason for the death. On July 15, 32 influenza cases were reported in Ernakulam. The common strains of the influenza virus seen included H1N1, H3N2, and Influenza B. Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan, convenor of the research cell of the Indian Medical Association (IMA), Kerala, said that influenza is caused by several viruses, which circulate seasonally. 'In Kerala, the monsoon season brings two factors together. First, people crowd indoors and also travel in vehicles with windows closed due to rain. This allows respiratory viruses to spread easily. Secondly, the humid weather allows the virus to stay alive longer in the air, that is, without the tiny cough droplets drying out,' he said. He added that wearing masks in crowded indoor spaces and avoiding social visits at hospitals are two easy ways to reduce risk. 'The flu vaccine protects from severe disease. In addition, unlike COVID-19, there are effective antiviral agents available which reduce the severity of the disease if the diagnosis is made early,' he said. Some of the main symptoms include cough, tiredness, fever, runny nose, body aches, sore throat, breathlessness, and wheezing. Doctors usually advise patients to stay hydrated and to cover their mouths while coughing and sneezing. However, elderly persons with co-morbidities must take extra care.
