Raipur | Correspondent: As swine flu cases rise in Chhattisgarh, health authorities are on high alert, intensifying screenings and vigilance efforts.
Recently, the flu claimed the lives of three individuals, including a four-year-old girl. Currently, there are 42 active cases in the state.
The three deceased were initially diagnosed with common cold, fever, and pneumonia, respectively.
Family members of the infected have been advised to undergo screening and remain in home quarantine. The similarity of symptoms to COVID-19 has led to fear and reluctance among people to get tested.
Of the 42 cases, Bilaspur reported the highest number with 14 patients, followed by 10 in the capital city, 6 in Durg, 3 in Korba, and 2 in Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur, as confirmed by Dr. Dharmendra Gawayi, the State Health Epidemic Controller.
All patients are currently receiving treatment, and their conditions are stable. The remaining seven patients are from other districts and are under home quarantine.
With the continued rise in H1N1 cases, health authorities have issued alerts and guidelines, advising the verification of patients’ travel history.
In August alone, six individuals have succumbed to the H1N1 virus.
Swine flu or H1N1 virus
The H1N1 virus, commonly known as swine flu, is a strain of the influenza virus type A. It was first identified in humans in 2009 and quickly spread globally, leading to a pandemic. The virus is called “swine flu” because it contains genetic material from influenza viruses that normally circulate in pigs, as well as in birds and humans.
H1N1 is transmitted similarly to other flu viruses, primarily through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.
It can also be spread by touching surfaces or objects contaminated with the virus and then touching the mouth, nose, or eyes.
The virus is not transmitted by eating properly cooked pork products.
Symptoms of H1N1 are similar to those of the seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue.
Some people may also experience diarrhea and vomiting.
The symptoms usually appear one to three days after exposure to the virus and can last about a week, though some symptoms, like fatigue, may persist longer.
Most people infected with H1N1 experience mild symptoms and recover without needing medical treatment.
However, certain groups are at higher risk for severe illness, including young children, elderly individuals, pregnant women, and people with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes, or heart disease.
Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent H1N1 infection. The seasonal flu vaccine typically includes protection against the H1N1 strain.
Other preventive measures include regular hand washing, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, and practicing good respiratory hygiene, such as covering your mouth and nose with a tissue or elbow when coughing or sneezing.
The H1N1 pandemic of 2009-2010 was the first global flu pandemic in over 40 years. It is estimated that between 151,700 and 575,400 people worldwide died from the virus during that time.
Since the pandemic, H1N1 has become one of the regular seasonal flu strains, continuing to circulate globally.
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