In a concerning development, Delhi is experiencing an alarming surge in flu cases. Hospitals in the national capital have reported a sudden surge in influenza as well as H1N1 (swine flu) cases over the past one month. Influenza B and H1N1 are causing upper respiratory infections in Delhi with residents reporting fever, sore throat, cough, headache, stomach troubles, joint pain, and respiratory problems.
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines H1N1 as a type of influenza A virus that causes the flu, also known as swine flu. The H1N1 virus is a seasonal flu virus that’s covered in the regular flu vaccine. H1N1 (swine flu) is a subtype of the influenza A virus, which tends to have severe symptoms. However, Delhi is reporting more influenza B cases. This virus mostly infects humans, is less common than influenza A and mutates slowly.
Health experts are predicting that environmental factors such as weather change and high levels of air pollution might be responsible for this sudden spike. However, this can be prevented by avoiding crowded places and taking other necessary precautions.
Symptoms
H1N1 symptoms include upper respiratory tract infections such as:
Runny nose
Sore throat
Coughing bouts
High fever
Blocked sinuses
Headache
Swollen tonsils
High fever
Who are the most vulnerable?
According to Dr. Sanjeev Kapoor, Program Clinical Director-Internal Medicine, Marengo Asia Hospitals Faridabad, the Influenza B and H1N1 (swine flu) viruses may affect people of all age groups: elderly, adults, adolescents and children. Some flu viruses can get into the lungs, causing inflammation and fluid build-up. “If symptoms are left unnoticed, it may increase the risk of pneumonia, bronchitis, and sinusitis,” he warned.
“The symptoms are not only prolonged but require hospitalisation as well. The caseload, too, has increased over the last two weeks. Younger people, those between 35 and 40 years of age are reporting severe body aches and persistent coughs. They are developing chest pain, secondary cough and acute restlessness, compelling them to seek hospital admission for better management even when they don’t require it,” Dr Suranjit Chatterjee, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, Delhi told media.
Prevention
The infection can be prevented by following certain measures in day to day life. These include:
Avoiding crowded places or use a mask in such areas
Washing hands frequently with soap and water or cleaning with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
Covering one’s mouth and nose with a handkerchief or tissue paper while coughing or sneezing in public
Avoiding touching one’s eyes, nose, or mouth
Used handkerchiefs should be washed properly with disinfectants and used tissues should be disposed of properly
Avoiding close contact with people who are battling the infection
Avoiding stepping outdoors if you are sick
Getting a flu vaccine which protects against the most common influenza viruses for the flu season
Eating nutritious food, drinking enough water and adequate sleep can help build immunity against the infection
