A huge surge in cases of respiratory infections is being recorded in Delhi-NCR due to change in weather and monsoon moisture. Influenza-A i.e. swine flu (H1N1) is being confirmed in most of the patients reaching OPDs of hospitals and private clinics. According to doctors, this time the pattern of spread of swine flu is largely matching the transmission pattern of Covid-19—where even if only one member of the household gets infected, within the next 48 to 72 hours the entire family is affected by high fever and cough one after the other. What is the 3 day 'serial interval' of swine flu? In epidemiology, 'Serial Interval' is the time period that elapses between the appearance of symptoms in the first infected person (primary case) and the appearance of symptoms in the second person infected by him (secondary case). Rapid infection cycle: The serial interval of H1N1 swine flu is usually only 2 to 3 days. Spread even before symptoms appear: The virus starts spreading in the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or exhales 24 hours before the infected person shows obvious symptoms like high fever or sore throat. Cluster infection: Due to less ventilation in closed rooms, AC houses and offices, it spreads to the rest of the family members through aerosol within 3 days and makes the whole house sick. How are its symptoms different from normal seasonal flu? Although the initial symptoms of normal viral flu and swine flu are similar, the impact of H1N1 on the body is much more severe and sudden: Sudden high fever: temperatures reaching 102°F to 104°F and not easily brought down with simple paracetamol. Unbearable body pain and fatigue: severe muscle strain, headache and feeling of extreme weakness. Dry and persistent cough: Severe burning, sore throat and mild difficulty in breathing. Stomach related problems: In some cases, patients are also complaining of loose motions and vomiting. Who are the most at risk and what are the preventive measures? According to senior doctors, in healthy adults this infection gets cured within 5 to 7 days, but for high-risk groups it can take the form of life-threatening pneumonia: Sensitive groups: Children below 5 years, elderly above 65 years of age, pregnant women and patients already suffering from diabetes, asthma, kidney or heart disease. Avoid self-medication: Do not take antibiotics on your own without consulting a doctor, as swine flu is a viral disease on which antibiotics are ineffective. In severe cases it is most effective to start antiviral medications (such as Oseltamivir) within 48 hours of symptoms appearing. Mask and isolation: As soon as anyone in the family shows flu symptoms, immediately isolate them in a separate room, use a mask and follow the Covid protocol of frequent hand washing. Flu Vaccine (Annual Flu Shot): Especially the elderly and people with weak immunity should get the influenza vaccine annually. If problems like shortness of breath, chest pain or blue lips are seen along with high fever, then you should contact a doctor in the nearest hospital without any delay.
