The Telangana government today confirmed the deaths of two persons from Swine flu (the H1N1 virus) and other complications, of 25 persons who tested positive for the ailment.
The Health and Medical department tested 158 samples till September 12, and reported that two persons died of the disease.
Suresh Chandra, Principal Secretary (Health), said that sufficient stocks of medicines had been made available at all teaching hospitals, district hospitals and area hospitals. He also said that there were an adequate number of testing kits and kits for Viral Transport Medium (VTM).
The Institute of Preventive Medicine (IPM) was also providing free testing services to all in-patients from private hospitals, he said, adding that citizens should report to hospitals upon symptoms like high fever, sneezing cough and body pains.
There was no need for panic since Swine flu could be contained through regular handwash using soaps, and maintaining good personal and household hygiene, he said.
He also asked people showing symptoms of Swine flu to avoid going outside, especially to crowded places, to avoid shaking hands with others, and to cover their mouths and noses with clean cloths or hand kerchiefs.
The Principal Secretary also asked hospitals to isolate suspected cases of Swine flu and refer to them to the IPM.
Homeopathy doctors have also advised citizens to take homeopathy medicines as a preventive measure, under a doctor's guidance. The homeopathy Swine flu medicine is available free of cost in the Government Homeo Hospital, Ramanthapur, and at all Ayush dispensaries.