Swine flu: India taking no chances

Shai Venkatraman: The swine flu may not have surfaced in India as yet, but Indians are being cautious, especially when travelling abroad. They are seeking out medical advice on what precautions need to be taken. And those coming into the country are being screened at airports.

After weeks of campaigning for husband and BJP candidate Mahesh Jethmalani, Haseena was all ready to go to Mexico for a family. But the celebrity couple was forced to call off their holiday at the last moment.

Travelling to what seems to be the epicentre of the swine flu epidemic just seemed too risky with two small kids.

"We were supposed to go to the United States and London for a holiday but that's been put on hold due to swine flu," Haseena said.

Though travel agents say swine flu has not hit international bookings as yet, the Jethmalanis are part of a minority whose travel plans are hit by the deadly flu.

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While travellers may not be hitting the panic button, at the Mumbai international airport, all incoming passengers are being screened.

The travellers landing at the Mumbai international airport have to fill a form where to inform whether they have travelled to countries which are infected by swine flu and if they have any symptoms of the disease.

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"I got off the flight and filled up a form. There were some doctors who asked me some questions and I was out," a traveller informed.

Two private hospitals in Mumbai have set up helplines to deal with anxious queries. The civic authorities have also set-up a quarantine ward at the civic hospital.

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So far, the state has said that it is well prepared to deal with any cases of the flu, but it has started building up its defences.