Swine flu: Doctors advise home remedies for prevention

Swine flu, also known as the H1N1 flu, is highly contagious and many deaths have been reported in the region from the virus recently

In the wake of four swine flu cases being reported from the city on Friday, doctors have advised people to take home-made precautions to avoid contracting the disease.

Residents can take tulsi (holy basil) leaves, garlic cloves and milk with turmeric to boost their immunity. (Parveen Kumar/HT Photo)

Swine flu, also known as the H1N1 flu, is highly contagious and many deaths have been reported in the region from the virus recently.

Doctors said that swine flu virus is transmitted from pigs to human beings. To avoid spreading of the virus, doctors have asked people to wash their hands regularly and to avoid eating and drinking food from outside.

“People can take remedies and precaution that same as they do for a normal flu. They should avoid crowded places. After remaining dormant for two years, the virus has resurfaced in the city. The disease makes a comeback when it has the required atmosphere to flourish,” said Dr BK Rajora, chief medical officer, Civil Hospital, Gurgaon.

Speaking to Hindustan Times, Dr Ram Prakash, in-charge of the epidemic department, Civil Hospital, said, “Residents can take tulsi (holy basil) leaves, garlic cloves and milk with turmeric to boost their immunity. The disease usually starts with a cold and cough. So people should take the usual home remedies, which they take for the common cold.”

Dr Rajesh Kumar, senior consultant, internal medicine, Paras Hospital, Gurgaon, said, “This year, we are witnessing more instances of swine flu cases— four cases have already been reported from our hospital. Children below two years, people above 65 years, pregnant women, patients suffering from diabetes, cancer, renal failure, heart conditions and immune compromised failure need special care and urgent treatment for suspected swine flu infection.”

India had 8,648 cases and 345 swine flu deaths till May 7 this year, compared to 1,786 cases and 265 deaths in 2016, reveals data from the ministry of health and family welfare.

Tamil Nadu alone recorded 2,798 cases till May 7, which is more than the total tally of 2016.

Maharashtra has the highest death toll, with 181 people succumbing to H1N1 complications till May 7.

India witnessed worst outbreak of the Swine flu, renamed the influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus by the World Health Organistion (WHO), in the pandemic years of 2009-10 when the disease affected close to 50,000 people and killed more than 2,700 across the country.