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Since the signs of H1N1 flu are very similar to those of COVID-19, most hospitals are now getting overwhelmed with anxious citizens
The national capital has reported a sharp spike in swine flu virus infection cases in the past 24 hours, according to news reports. More than 50 per cent of the households are said to have at least one member in the family having symptoms of the H5N1 virus, which includes high fever and sore throat.
According to doctors, while the signs are very similar to those of COVID-19, most hospitals are now getting overwhelmed with anxious citizens, concerned about the diagnosis. And so, as hospitals report a surge of patients, medical professionals are advising the public to take the appropriate precautions.
How does swine flu spread?
Doctors say bad air quality is a major factor in aggravating respiratory issues and the rise of seasonal infections, which are otherwise also at peak as the season is transitioning from winter to summer.
The illness has been affecting people of all ages, though those over the age of 50, young children, and those battling pre-existing conditions like hypertension, type 2 diabetes, asthma, COPD, and cardiac issues are more particularly vulnerable. According to the report, based on the survey conducted by LocalCircles, with responses from Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Faridabad, and Ghaziabad, "hospitals are reporting more admissions of people with pneumonia and bronchitis due to severe infections."
Doctors say that earlier, symptoms of seasonal illnesses, including swine flu, used to last five to seven days, are now prolonged to at least ten days, adding more issues like breathlessness, severe chest congestion, and wheezing.
Apart from the common flu-like symptoms, some patients have also reported gastrointestinal issues like diarrhoea and nausea, indicating the presence of new viral strains or complications.
What is swine flu?
Swine flu is an infection that a type of influenza virus causes. It is known as swine flu because it’s similar to a flu virus that affects pigs, leading to a lung disease in the scavengers.
Swine flu causes severe respiratory infections in humans.
What causes swine flu?
According to experts, H1N1 is highly contagious and spreads from person to person through coughs and sneezes as droplets go into the air. You can get the infection when you breathe in the virus. You can also get the infection when you touch a contaminated surface and then touch your mouth, nose, or eyes.
However, you cannot get swine flu by eating pork.
How can you prevent swine flu?
A few ways to prevent getting and spreading swine flu include:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you sneeze or cough
- If you do not have a tissue, sneeze or cough into your elbow
- Make sure to wash your hands multiple times a day with soap and water, especially if you enter the home from outside
- Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth
- Avoid meeting people who are sick
- Stay home if you are sick
- Do not share personal items such as cups, straws, and utensils
- Wear a mask whenever you go out in public
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