At least 300 people have been reported to have tested positive for the swine flu H1N1 virus during winter this year from different parts of the country. The situation deteriorated in January when cold weather with frequent fluctuation in temperatures (an essential for spread of H1N1 virus) kept the cases of swine flu in Delhi, Punjab and Haryana growing. The fluctuation in temperatures leads to coughing and sneezing that aids the spread of H1N1 virus.
Haryana reported 31 cases of swine flu in January this year of which 9 people have died. Of the 31 cases, the maximum of nine have been reported from Karnal district, followed by four each from Kurukshetra and Fatehabad; three each from Hisar and Sirsa; two each from Yamunanagar, Kaithal and Panchkula; and one each from Rohtak and Ambala districts
In Punjab, 10 people have died of swine flu while 35 people have been tested positive during this winter. Ludhiana and Bhatinda in the state have maximum number of cases. The cases in Punjab have doubled this year than that of last year when 14 cases of swine flu were reported. The Union Territory of Chandigarh has been reported with 25 cases since January.
The weather during winter in India turns conducive for the spread of H1N1 virus when fluctuation in temperatures takes place more regularly leading to coughing and sneezing. Swine flu is the same as seasonal flu among humans which is mainly through coughing or sneezing by people infected with the influenza virus. It also spreads through commonly held objects like telephones, lift buttons among others things. The virus enters the body through the respiratory tract.
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