Not just dengue and chikungunya, swine flu cases are also filling up OPDs: How to stay safe?
Swine flu is on the rise in India along with dengue, chikungunya and COVID-19, with Punjab, Gujarat and Kerala recording the highest number of deaths from Influenza A (H1N1).
While dengue, chikungunya and Covid-19 are spreading rapidly in India, swine flu is also spreading rapidly in many cities. According to data released by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Punjab, Gujarat and Kerala recently topped the list of states that have recorded the highest number of deaths from Influenza A (H1N1).
Delhi and Gujarat will have the highest number of cases by the end of July 2024.
The swine flu virus can penetrate deeper into the lungs, causing more severe damage to the respiratory tract than other flus and increasing the chance of developing pneumonia.
It is an infectious respiratory disease caused by the H1N1 virus, which originated in pigs. It first gained global attention during the 2009 pandemic, which affected millions of people worldwide.
Swine flu is a subtype of the influenza virus, and like seasonal flu, it spreads primarily through droplets released when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
The symptoms of swine flu are similar to those of regular flu, including fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, fatigue and headache. Some people may also experience vomiting and diarrhoea.
The World Health Organization (WHO) says seasonal influenza spreads rapidly, especially in crowded places such as schools and nursing homes.
While most cases are mild and recover without complications, severe cases can result in pneumonia, respiratory failure, and even death, especially in vulnerable populations such as young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems.
How is it prevented?
Prevention of swine flu uses many of the same strategies used for other flu strains. The most effective measure is vaccination, with the H1N1 flu vaccine included in many seasonal flu shots.
Maintain good hygiene, such as washing hands frequently, using hand sanitizer, and avoiding close contact with infected individuals.
Treatment of Swine Flu
If infected, antiviral medications such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu), if taken on time, can help reduce the severity of symptoms and prevent complications.
It is important to seek medical help if symptoms worsen or there is a high risk of complications.
As with any infectious disease, public awareness and prompt medical care are key to managing and preventing this disease.
