Swine flu has continued to wreak havoc in the city with more than 100 fresh cases of H1N1 virus infection being recorded in the National Capital, Delhi, on Thursday. With this, the total number of people affected by swine flu in Delhi this year has reached 1,196, according to according to Directorate General of Health Services. At least six people have died due to H1N1 in Delhi this year. Meanwhile, swine flu claimed five more lives in Rajasthan on Thursday - taking the death toll to 96 - and 2,706 people have been found positive with the influenza.
Rajasthan remained worst hit with swine flu even as India saw an alarming surge in the number of H1N1 cases this year. Till February 3, 2019, the country recorded 6,701 swine flu cases and 226 deaths, compared to 798 cases and 68 deaths during the corresponding period in 2018.
Meanwhile, the Delhi government has directed all its hospitals to ensure an adequate supply of medicines, vaccine, and kits. Swine flu - which causes symptoms to the regular flu - fever, chills, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body ache - is caused by a strain of swine influenza virus that usually infects pigs. However, the disease is now a regular human virus as it spreads from person to person, and continues to circulate seasonally worldwide.
How do you catch swine flu?
Swine flu is highly contagious, and the virus is believed to spread through saliva and mucus particles. Perhaps, you can catch H1N1 virus the same way as the seasonal flu by –
Breathing in tiny droplets containing flu virus dispersed in the air - when people affected by swine flu cough or sneeze, they spray tiny drops of the virus into the air.
Touching a surface contaminated with germs and virus and then touching your eyes or nose without washing your hands.
Having contact with infected pigs - this is said to be the most common way of catching swine flu. You can’t get swine flu from eating properly cooked pork products, however, swine farmers and veterinarians who work with and are near pigs have the highest risk of exposure to the disease.
While getting a yearly vaccination is the best way to prevent swine flu, adopting good hygiene habits, eating a healthy diet that promotes the immune system, and avoiding direct contact with people who are sick or large gatherings, especially during the flu season, can reduce your risk and help you stay safe
No comments:
Post a Comment