Gujarat has become the state worst affected by swine flu
With 275 deaths and over 4,500 cases, Gujarat has become the state worst affected by swine flu. The anxiety over the surge in cases due to the deadly H1N1 virus has now gripped school children who are scheduled to appear in board examinations next week.
"We need to be safe... we are having lots of proteins... take adequate sunlight... so as to protect ourselves from the virus and yes, sanitisers... using them frequently. So apart from studies, we are focusing on our health as well," said Akshara Varma, a Class 12 student.
With board exams round the corner and the term break still a few days away, schools are adopting all precautionary steps to prevent the spread of the virus.
"If any student has any signs of the flu, we call the parents and request them to take the child home... besides, we encourage the use of masks and sanitisers," said Monika Simon, a teacher at HB Kapadia School in Ahmedabad.
Rains in the last 24 hours and a consequent dip in mercury now poses a bigger challenge for the state government.
"This influenza thrives on low temperatures and the rains and a drop in temperature in the last few days will ensure medical officers have their task cut out," warned Dr Pravin Garg, a medical expert.