New Delhi: Swine flu (H1N1) has again increased the tension in Delhi-NCR. As of August 12, 1,449 cases have been reported in Delhi alone. Last year at this time there were only 229 cases. Meaning this time the figure is 6 times more. Surprisingly, many doctors of government hospitals and the head of a hospital have also been found H1N1 positive. The crowd of patients suffering from fever, cough and shortness of breath is increasing in hospitals. However, Delhi government has said that there is no need to panic.
Why did H1N1 cases increase so rapidly in Delhi?
According to doctors, the main reason for this is the weather. The humidity and changing weather during monsoon creates the right environment for the virus. Along with H1N1, other respiratory infections also increase in this season.
Second reason – staying in closed rooms too much. When people live together in office, metro or AC at home, the infection spreads rapidly from one to another. Experts are saying that many people do not get tested considering it to be mild fever, hence the real figure could be more than 1449.
How worried are you about doctors getting infected?
This is the most worrying thing. Doctors are in contact with flu patients every day. Many doctors and hospital heads in a big government hospital in Delhi have tested positive. After this, arrangements for masks, sanitizers and separate wards have been intensified in hospitals. Separate isolation wards are being made for H1N1 patients so that it does not spread to other patients.
What are the early symptoms of H1N1?
The symptoms of H1N1 seem similar to normal flu, so people get confused.
- High fever and chills
- Persistent cough, sore throat
- Headache, body ache, extreme fatigue
- Blocked or runny nose
- Some people also have vomiting and diarrhoea.
Just by looking at the symptoms, it will not be known whether it is swine flu or a normal cold. Only the doctor can tell after the test.
When does the matter become serious?
Most people recover in 5-7 days, but in some it reaches the lungs. Don’t ignore these signs –
Shortness of breath, chest pain, oxygen level falling below 94, lips or face turning blue. Doctors in Delhi said that oxygen is suddenly decreasing in some patients. If this happens, go to the hospital immediately.
Who should be more careful?
Small children, elderly people above 65 years of age, pregnant women and those who already have asthma, heart, lung disease, diabetes are most at risk. Flu can be serious in people with weak immunity. Such people should consult a doctor as soon as they get fever.
What to do to avoid it?
- If you have fever and cough, stay at home, do not go to office.
- Wash hands frequently with soap.
- Cover your mouth and nose while coughing and sneezing.
- Wear a mask in crowded places.
- You can get flu vaccine by asking a doctor.
At present the government has not called it an epidemic, but do not be careless. If there is difficulty in breathing, do not take medicine on your own, contact a doctor immediately.
