Mysuru: Prevention is better than cure. H1N1 has entered the city which can be prevented, said Deputy Commissioner C Shika.
 
She was speaking at a meeting held at her office on Monday, to discuss the prevention of H1N1 from spreading.

The deadliest new influenza virus causing illness in people, Influenza A virus, H1N1 subtype, has now entered the city! The three samples from the city which were sent to National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Science (NIMHANS), Bengaluru have tested positive and one person has died, she said.   

10 of the suspected 15 patients were from neighbouring districts and the samples of 15 suspected case of H1N1 from different hospitals in city had been sent to the Neuro-Virology Department of NIMHANS, she informed.
 
Many people visit the city including foreigners and people should patronize clean and healthy food. Tourist places should receive more attention in regard to the spread of awareness of H1N1, she suggested.
 
Tamiflu, tablet which is easily available in all the Government hospitals can control this disease and for more information people can contact helpline numbers like 9449843265, 1077 or 1056 she added.
 
? Speaking on the occasion, Nodal officer of District Health office, Dr Nagaraju said that H1N1 is an infectious disease and it spreads through influenza A virus. This virus easily spreads through cough, sneezing and even speaking with those standing close by. But this disease does not spread from eating pork.
 
“Typical symptoms include serious fever, cough, throat pain and such people are informed to contact the doctor as soon as possible but there in no need of H1N1 test. But it is better is these people do not come into contact with others for a few days till the symptoms disappear”,  he added.
 
District Health Officer Dr Puttaswamy, Deputy Director of Women and Children welfare department Radha, Deputy Director of Public Instruction H R Basappa and others were present.