’Swine flu is a blessing in disguise’

Healthy lifestyle adopted by Punekars has resulted in fewer cases of cough and common cold

'Swine flu is a blessing in disguise'

Healthy lifestyle adopted by Punekars has resulted in fewer cases of cough and common cold

It is that time of the year when cases of cough and cold are on a rise, but not this year. The swine flu scare has been a blessing in disguise.

"People are so scared of swine flu that a kind of health revolution has been brought about in the city," said Dr Vijaya Gujrati.

She added thatu00a0 people are using masks, sanitizers, immunity-building foods and ensuring infections don't spread. "While swine flu is coming under control, the rate of infections in common cold and flu have decreased substantially," Dr Gujrati said.

Uncommon flu
Dr Devendra Shirole, past-president of Indian Medical Association, said there is an unexpected drop in the number of cases of common flu. "We usually expect an additional load of patients at this time of the year, but now swine flu is under control and there is a drop in common ailments."

Healthy bachchas
Paediatricians are happy, as the health of kids too has improved. "There are fewer cases this year compared to last. Parents have become cautious and have adopted the best health practices due to the swine flu, which is a blessing in disguise," said Dr Dilip Sarda, a paediatrician.

Doctors have also noticed that the gravity of ailments has dropped drastically. "Even common flu can be fatal if not treated on time, but thanks to swine flu, people are taking early medication and following the doctors' prescription. There are fewer critical cases this year," said Dr Anil Bhandwalkar, president of General Practioners Association, Pune.