Click to play videoNew Delhi: India's first confirmed case of H1N1 influenza A in Hyderabad is now free of the virus and has been discharged.
The AP Chest Hospital had been home for the 23-year-old man for the past 12 days ever since he walked in with flu-like symptoms.
Flying in from US, he was the first confirmed case of H1N1 influenza A in the country. He has been discharged after his course of treatment with anti-viral medication got over.
"It has been a daunting experience. I thought it would be a one-day affair but got extended to 12 days. The staff here has been very friendly. I also had my laptop and TV for entertainment," said the man who did not wish to be identified.
An IT Professional from US volunteered for screening as soon as he touched down in Hyderabad.
"I had been coughing all through in the plane and didn't want to be a liability. I felt bad about others on the plane. One must be responsible and come forward as screening all can be difficult," he said.
He said that he contracted the virus from someone in his college in the US. But says he didn't panic even when his samples came back positive for the H1N1 virus.
"I had been reading up on flu. I knew it was not dangerous," he added.
He is stable, no longer contagious or a health risk to anyone says the doctor in charge of HINI Influenza A cases at the hospital.
"He can be discharged. He will not infect his family or community," Dr Subhakar said.
Indian authorities are tracking down co-passengers on the same Emirates flight, and have screened almost 1,000 travellers at airports across the country.
So far no one else has tested positive for H1N1 which is good for the country, given that the World Health Organisation estimates more than 12,000 cases across 43 countries, with over 86 deaths.
(With inputs from Preeti Singh)
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