The Mysore district of Karnataka has observed a spike in the number of people getting swine flu this year.
The city has already reported 27 H1N1 positive cases and two related deaths from the month of January to February this year. Comparatively the district recorded only five H1N1 positive cases last year.
H1N1 is highly contagious. This deadly virus is relatively a new strain of an influenza virus that infects the respiratory tract of pigs and result in a barking cough, decreased appetite, nasal secretions and listless behavior. The virus can be transmitted to humans.
Swine flu, being a virus-borne disease, makes the spread of this infection more conducive due to uneasy weather conditions. The reason behind the sudden surge in swine flu cases is the sharp dip in temperatures as well as high humidity. The seasonal infection will disappear as soon as the temperatures rise and warmer days set in.
But presently, the weather conditions over Mysore are comfortable so weather cannot be blamed for the spread of this virus.
Just a sneeze can cause thousands of germs to spread through the air. The virus can linger on tables and surface areas like door knobs, waiting to be picked up.
Young children, pregnant women and the elderly are more prone to develop complications.
The sudden rise in swine flu cases has made district health officials to stay 24*7 active. Surveys are being carried out to identify people with swine flu symptoms. Pamphlets are also being distributed to make people aware about the disease.
If symptoms of cold and flu persist for a longer period of time, people have been advised to get themselves checked immediately.
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