Delhi and NCR region are currently facing increasing cases of swine flu (H1N1). According to reports, so far more than 2000 people have succumbed to swine flu and other viral infections, of which 1777 cases are of H1N1 swine flu alone. Due to the increasing number of cases, hospitals in Delhi have been put on alert mode and people are being advised to take precautions.
What is H1N1 and how to avoid it. H1N1 influenza is a form of the virus, also known as swine flu. It is a respiratory system disease that affects the nose, throat and lungs of humans. Doctor Wali emphasized that children who are coughing should not be sent to school, as the infection will spread further if sick children go to school. Parents should take this matter seriously.
Main symptoms of H1N1:
Some of the early and main symptoms of swine flu include:
High fever and chills
Cough and sore throat
Body aches and headaches
Feeling tired and weak
The disease is spread through the air, especially when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Also, touching the mouth or nose with the same hand after touching an infected surface can also spread the infection. Doctors said that swine flu is spreading not only among children, but also among the elderly, young and people with low immunity. Lack of proper diet can also be a cause of this disease.
ICMR’s advice and survey findings:
According to senior scientists of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the influenza currently circulating in the country is H1N1-A, which there is no need to panic as it is a known virus and has been present in the country for a long time. However, caution is imperative.
A survey on swine flu in Delhi-NCR has revealed shocking findings. The survey claims that 54% of households currently have one or more people suffering from swine flu, viral or fever-like symptoms. Additionally, 39% of households have two or more people sick together. 23% of households have four or more people affected by flu or viral fever-like symptoms. The survey was based on responses from 32,643 people from Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Faridabad and Ghaziabad.
Swine Flu Precautions:
It is very important to take some precautions to protect yourself and your family from swine flu:
Washing hands frequently with soap and water or using hand sanitizer.
Wear a mask in crowded or closed places.
Cover your mouth and nose with a handkerchief or elbow when coughing or sneezing.
Keep the surroundings clean.
Drink enough water and eat nutritious food.
Get enough rest.
Maintain distance from sick persons.
If you are unwell, stay home and avoid going out.
Consult a doctor as soon as symptoms appear.
By taking these precautionary measures we can help prevent the spread of swine flu and protect the health of our community.