Five swine flu deaths, including three in Karnataka, were reported Tuesday, taking India's total toll due to the contagious influenza A (H1N1) virus to 262, health authorities said here. Maharashtra, which tops the list of swine flu deaths and cases in the country, also reported one death, taking its total number of deaths to 107. Delhi recorded one death Tuesday.
Also, 324 new swine flu cases were reported in the country, taking the total number of people affected so far to 8,477.
Tamiflu now available over the counter
The world's only antiviral drug known to be effective against the deadly H1N1 swine flu virus, oseltamivir (Tamilfu), is now available at chemists near you. A total of 480 chemists have been allowed to sell the drug in India against prescription, of which 28 are in Delhi.
The chemists in Delhi who have been given licence to sell Tamilfu are based in Dilshad Garden, Pitampura, Gautam Nagar, Chanakyapuri, Vasant Kunj, Old Rajinder Nagar, Rajouri Garden, East Shalimar Bagh, Sarita Vihar, Kalkaji, Gole Market, Dwarka Sector 10 and Nehru Nagar.
The second line drug Zanamivir or Relenza, listed under Schedule X of the Drugs and Cosmetic Act, 2008, will also be available. However, the demand is expected to be for oseltamivir which is the first line drug.
