Shimla, August 30
A 64-year-old man, who tested positive for H1N1 (swine flu) during treatment at Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), died at the hospital on Sunday morning, the IGMC administration said in a press brief.
The deceased, identified as Ramashish Ram, a resident of Sai Dobha in Bilaspur Sadar, had been admitted to the hospital on August 13.
According to the hospital administration, the patient tested positive for H1N1 on August 29. His condition remained critical during treatment and he died at around 6.46 am on August 30, despite medical intervention.
The hospital said the patient was already suffering from serious respiratory ailments, including interstitial lung disease (ILD) and lower lobe pneumonia, besides other health complications.
The administration clarified that the death should not be attributed solely to H1N1 infection, as the patient had significant pre-existing lung disease and pneumonia, along with other complications that also played an important role in his deteriorating condition.
The hospital has advised people to seek timely medical consultation if they develop symptoms such as high fever, cough, sore throat or breathing difficulty. It has also urged elderly people and those suffering from pre-existing lung or other serious illnesses to exercise extra caution.
People have further been advised to take precautions in crowded places, cover their mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing, and follow medical advice regarding treatment.
