The recent reports talk of H1N1 virus affecting 1 year old child. It was a shock when a 1 year old child was tested H1N1 positive. This report on H1N1 makes the count go three in number.

However this 1 year old toddler, an inhabitant of Dharavi was taken to Sion Hospital where he was given a dose of Tamiflu.

A further test of his throat swab was sent to PCR laboratory in Kasturba Hospital for examination.

Here, Dr Preeti Shanbag, paediatrician at Sion Hospital stated: “We got his reports by Saturday evening that confirmed the presence of the H1N1 virus. But, his condition had already deteriorated by then.”

The Doctor further stated that Tamiflu should be given to a patient within 48 hours of showing H1N1 symptoms.

Once the 48 hours duration is over the vaccine would not be beneficial.