CHENNAI: Health Minister Ma. Subramanian on Thursday said that a total of 282 children have tested positive for H1N1 influenza and are currently receiving treatment throughout the State.

The Minister noted that of the 282 children, 13 were admitted in government hospitals, 215 in private hospitals, and 54 were in home isolation shortly after touring the fever wards at the Institute of Child Health (ICH) and Hospital for Children, Egmore.

"In terms of dengue, fewer cases have been reported this year compared to years past. According to Mr. Subramanian, 243 children in the State are currently receiving dengue treatment.

He added that there were 129 children who were admitted to ICH with fever, but that none of them had the H1N1 virus while 18 of them were receiving treatment for dengue. The Minister emphasised that ICH, which has a total of 837 beds, does not have a bed shortage. Only 129 of the 637 kids in for various treatments-- out of all the kids--were there for fever treatment, Ma Subramanian said.

He pointed out that before the monsoon, children frequently report having fever. "Due to lockdown, masking, and physical separation, the COVID-19 pandemic's influence over the past two to three years has been lessened. In contrast to the current situation, the number of cases was two to three times greater in 2017 and 2018. No need for alarm or concern exists, said Ma. Subramanian.

The Minister said, influenza symptoms include fever, sneezing, coughing, cold, headache, sore throat, and exhaustion. In order to safeguard youngsters, Mr. Subramanian noted that compliance with the COVID-19 routine of masking, maintaining physical distance, and frequent handwashing had slowed down.

Ma.Subramanian reported that government hospitals had received circulars on how to handle feverish youngsters, the H1N1 virus, and dengue. "Pharmacies have been told not to sell fever-relieving medications without a prescription. "Private hospitals and laboratories should notify the relevant district health authorities of any dengue or H1N1 cases right away," he said.

The dean of Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital E. Theranirajan, director of ICH S. Ezhilarasi, director of public health and preventive medicine T.S. Selvavinayagam, and health secretary P. Senthilkumar were all present during the inspection.

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