India's first fatality from the H1N1 Influenza,a virus also commonly known as swine flu has been reported from Pune (my hometown!!!)where a 14-year-old girl, whose symptoms were not detected in time, died on yesterday.

She was being treated for pneumonia at a private hospital(Jehangir, one of the most famous and reputed) and was given treatment for swine flu only nine days after first symptoms. This delay was to blame for the teenager's death.

The14-year-old Rida Sheikh had developed flu like symptoms as early as July 21 after which she consulted a general practitioner.She was admitted at Jahangir Hospital on July 27 but her condition worsened. On July 30 she was put on Tamiflu and her samples were sent to National Institute of Virology in Pune on July 31, 2009, where the tests confirmed she had swine flu.

But it was too late and the teenager died on Monday night.

The question is why so late her samples were sent to NIV for testing, when Pune is known epicenter of Swine flu victims(with more than 100 cases reported from the city and surrounding areas)??? Prior to this parents were asked for some expensive tests from RUBY Hall Clinic, which is another private and expensive hospital.

"That particular private hospital went for H1NI tests and it was unfortunately found positive. But by that it was too late for the medicine to take effect," Union Health Minister Mr. Azad said in New Delhi on Monday night.

Experts are now advising to take all possible precautions.They say that to stay safe the follow tips should be followed.

Avoid travel to affected areas.

Stay away from infected people.

Wash your hands regularly

Cover your coughs and sneezes

Watch out for flu-like symptoms

Consult only a government hospital