Swine flu in Delhi

Delhi swine flu update: 65 new cases, total 680

The capital seems to be buckling under the strain of the swine flu epidemic. With 65 new cases of swine flu detected, the total number of cases has gone up to 680. Although there were no deaths due to the Influenza A (H1N1) virus in the recent update, earlier records show that as many as 6 deaths have been reported this month.

In January, 39 cases were reported and one succumbed to the virus. A spurt in cases of swine flu has been seen in the national capital this year. In 2012, only 78 swine flu cases and one death were reported. According to the Delhi government, 17 hospitals and five private hospitals are treating swine flu patients.

What is the swine flu virus?

Swine flu is due to a zoonotic disease which originally was transmitted from pigs to humans and now spreads from one human to another. The symptoms of swine flu are very similar to regular influenza and include fever, headaches, chills, diarrhoea, coughing and sneezing. One can prevent infection by maintaining basic hygiene and wearing a proper surgical mask during flu season. The number of cases shoots up during the summers and monsoon seasons. There are various vaccines available to combat the disease and antiviral treatments for prevention as well. One should however only use these medicines under a doctor’s supervision as indiscriminate use might result in susceptibility to the virus.