Kathmandu, July 28

Three people of the same family in Kalimati, Kathmandu, have been diagnosed with swine flu, according to National Public Health Laboratory, while one person is suspected to have been infected with same virus in Sukraraj Tropical Infectious Disease Hospital.

According to Dr Sher Bahadur Pun, virologist, STIDH, a man, who had recently returned from a short-tour outside the Valley, his wife and their son tested positive for swine flu. Some other patients admitted to STIDH are also suspected to have been infected with the virus. Dr Pun said swine flu cases were mostly reported in winter and rainy season. Fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, watery red eyes, body aches, headache, fatigue, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting are some common symptoms of swine flu. Influenza viruses infect the cells lining nose, throat and lungs. The virus enters into the body when contaminated droplets are inhaled or transferred from a contaminated surface to the eyes, nose or mouth.

“We advise people to wear nose masks and wash hands properly before having meal. If any member of the family is infected with the virus, it is better to keep him/her in isolation for nine to ten days,” added Dr Pun.  He informed that vaccine for swine flu was available in the hospital. “Though vaccines are available in the hospital, only few people get vaccinated,” he said.