Swine Flu symptoms: Several cases of Influenza H1N1 or swine flu have been reported in various parts of the country. Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Kerala have confirmed multiple cases of Swine Flu, prompting the health authorities to take precautionary measures.

COMMERCIAL BREAK
SCROLL TO CONTINUE READING

Alone in Mumbai and adjoining districts like Thane, Palghar, and Raigad, as many as 62 cases have been detected so far this year, according to a PTI report which quoted a health official as saying.

From January 1 to July 24, a total of 1,66,132 people were screened of which 62 confirmed cases of the H1N1 influenza virus were found, deputy director of health services (Mumbai circle) Dr Gauri Rathod said. Two of the patients from Thane died due to the infection last week, she said, adding that these are the first deaths due to the H1N1 virus in the Mumbai circle this year.
Swine influenza virus can circulate among swine throughout the year, but most outbreaks occur during the late fall and winter months similar to outbreaks in humans.

Swine Flu symptoms:

The common symptoms of swine flu are fever, shivering, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, watery and red eyes, body aches, headache, fatigue, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.

Symptoms that need emergency medical attention:

Breathing difficulties or shortness of breath; Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen; Sudden dizziness; Confusion and Severe or persistent vomiting

Swine Flu treatment and precautions:

  • Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently
  • Use soap and water, or if they're unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
  • Cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow. Then wash your hands
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
  • Regularly clean often-touched surfaces to prevent the spread of infection from a surface with the virus on it to your body
  • Stay away from crowds if possible

 
Swine Flu vaccine 

Antiviral drugs that are commonly used to treat seasonal flu work against the H1N1 Type A Influenza. But the treatment is focused more on curbing the symptoms.

If hospital admission is not necessary, a patient should take all safety measures and maintain good hand and respiratory hygiene.