After dengue, Swine flu or H1N1 flu is likely to raise its ugly head again in the state. Since January this year, five deaths and 906 cases of H1N1 were reported in the state and the number may go up if there is any variation in temperature.
Speaking to ‘Express’, Health Director, Dr Dhanya Kumar said, “Last year, 48 people succumbed to H1N1 out of 878 cases. This year, the situation is not alarming.”
In Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) limits, 43 cases were registered and of them, one death has been registered from K C General Hospital.
Dr Shashidhar Buggi, Medical Director, Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Chest Diseases, confirmed that the hospital screened 100 suspected cases, out of which 80 swabs were sent for lab tests and one case was confirmed.
“The infection may spread in cold weather. People should not ignore symtoms like cough, nasal secretion, fever, vomiting and headache,” said Buggi. He also mentioned that, swine flu claimed six lives in the city in 2012.
Symptoms of H1N1
Swine flu does not respond to antibiotics. It may lead to multi-organ failure.
Symptoms are similar to common influenza infections. They are: fever (100 degree F or greater), cough, nasal secretion, fatigue and headache. Some patients may also experience nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Patients may also suffer from pneumonia (secondary bacterial infection) if the viral infection persists. They eventually develop seizures and tissue damage which may lead to death.