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H1N1 flu cases swell in Delhi: Symptoms, precautions and who is at risk
The government has said that the hospitals are "fully prepared" to handle patients with separate wards and dedicated rooms for H1N1 and dengue patients.
Delhi's swine flu cases have gone up this monsoon season with the capital recording 1,349 confirmed cases of H1N1 virus this year so far. The government has said that the hospitals are "fully prepared" to handle patients with separate wards and dedicated rooms been set aside for H1N1 and dengue patients.
Hospitals have reported a rise in the number of patients with symptoms like cold, cough and fever over the past few weeks.
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"Over the past 3-4 weeks, hospitals have witnessed a rise in patients presenting with cough, cold and high fever. Testing has revealed a significant increase in H1N1 (swine flu) cases, with doctors reporting that they are seeing around 7-10 such patients daily in the OPD. There has also been a slight increase in COVID-19 cases," Dr Satish Koul, Principal Director and Unit Head of Internal Medicine at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.
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People on social media have also posted how more and more people in Delhi are falling sick with flu-like symptoms. However, doctors have said that most H1N1 cases are mild and symptoms subside within three to five days.
Swine flu symptoms
- Fever or chills
- Persistent cough
- Sore throat
- Body aches and muscle pain
- Headache
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
While the above symptoms are manageable, patients should look out for symptoms such as difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath, chest pain, bluish pain, bluish lips.
Health experts on sharp surge in swine flu cases
While the doctors have reported a sharp rise in the number of H1N1 cases being reported, health experts have said the sudden change in temperature can be a cause of flu outbreak.
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"During monsoon, there's a decrease in temperature. So, because of the temperature change, the influenza virus is more common nowadays. They have a sore throat, nasal discharge, dry cough and headache," Dr Sanjeev Sinha, professor of medicine, department of medicine, AIIMS, Delhi told ANI.
Vulnerable groups at risk
Dr Sinha said that vulnerable groups, including the elderly and those suffering from diabetes, hypertension and chronic kidney disease, are more prone to infections.
"In our OPD, there is an increased number of patients who are suffering from upper respiratory tract infections, and we found that they are positive for influenza, especially H1N1 and influenza A," he was quoted as saying.
Delhi recorded 229 H1N1 cases during this time last year, as compared to 1,349 cases this year, marking six fold rise, according to NDTV.
What to do if you test positive for H1N1
Those diagnosed with H1N1 should isolate at home for two or three days and use a face mask, according t Dr Sinha . If you get the infection, immediately contact the doctor about the treatment.
Dr Atul Kakar, Chairperson, Internal Medicine, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, told ANI that Delhi is witnessing a seasonal increase in viral respiratory infections, with many patients reporting flu-like symptoms. "Many of them have high-grade fever, which has been running for a few days. A few of them have cold and cough; many of them complain of joint pains, muscle pain, extreme weakness, runny nose and throat pain. This is a type of trend which we are now seeing, especially during this post-rainy season. So, the number of patients is definitely much more," he said.
