The H1N1 virus, commonly known as Swine Flu, responsible for the 2009 global pandemic seems to be spreading its wings slowly.
For, the death of a 51-year-old woman due to Swine flu in Delhi on Friday is just one among the many fatal cases which the country is witnessing across the States this year. There have been 204 deaths and as many as 831 people were infected with the Swine flu this year till November 2014.
In last three years since 2011 too, there has been a dramatic rise in deaths in the last three years from 75 deaths to 405 and 699 in 2011, 2012 and 2013 respectively. What’s the matter of concern is that there has been several fold-rise in the deaths in the States like Haryana, Delhi, Gujarat and Maharashtra in 2013 when compared to 2011 and 2012. (See Box)
With 55 deaths Gujarat has topped the list of deaths due to the deadly virus in the first eleven months till November 2014, followed by Maharashtra (42) Karnataka (33) and Rajasthan (30), according to the data tabled by the Health Ministry recently in Parliament. However, intriguingly despite sharp rise in the cases, the Union Health Ministry is yet to issue any advisory or alert to the States to ensure preventive and treatment measures.
The number of people infected with Swine flu cases has also rose sharply during these years, from 603 cases in 2011 to 5,044 cases in 2012 and 5,253 cases in 2013. last year, Delhi reported highest number of cases at 1511 followed by Gujarat (989), Rajasthan (865) and Haryana (450). Till this month this year, Karnataka has registered highest number of cases 293 cases followed by Gujarat at 155 cases.
Swine flu carrier, the H1N1 influenza virus, is prone to appear in winter months. It is characterised by throat problems, body ache and respiratory complications. It can spread through infections and sneezing. Common precautions are washing hands properly, avoiding crowded places and wearing masks. The medicine generally prescribed for the disease is Tamiflu, which must be taken only after doctor’s prescription.