Swine Flu scare has returned to haunt India with 5000 cases reported since January. At least 400 swine flu deaths have been reported in the country so far triggering widespread panic all across. Only yesterday, 35 fresh cases cropped up in Noida, out of which 16 tested positive. Moreover, in the first ten days of February itself, 216 people have lost their lives after being infected by the H1N1 virus.
Swine flu being a virus borne disease, spares no one. 33 years old Mohit Verma, a resident of Patparganj, does not only follow his daily exercise routine regularly but also seldom eats non vegetarian food items. Last month, even he was trapped in the tight grip of the deadly disease. Only after proper medication, his condition improved. Frankly speaking, your morning jogs and routine workouts may not be able to guard you against the lethal virus.
The highest number of cases have been reported in Delhi, Telangana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Karnataka Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. In Madhya Pradesh, 44 people died due to the deadly virus, being the largest number of deaths due to Swine flu in the state so far. In Gujarat, 8 more people died, increasing the death toll to more than 100 this year. In Rajasthan, after the death of 8 more people including a Swiss tourist, the death toll increased to 117. Telangana has also remained under the tight grip of the H1N1 virus, leading to 27 fresh cases and 42 deaths since January.
Weather plays an important factor in causing the virus to spread. The virus comfortably survives in the winter season and even during spring since the temperature does not shoot up. Low temperatures along with humidity are a plus for the H1N1 virus. Once hotter days set in, the infection will reduce significantly. Although, by this time the temperature rise usually results in warmer days. Moreover, a spell of rain in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, which also travelled across Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkhand will cause a temperature dip which may lead in spreading of the swine flu virus. Also, extended wet spell across the hills will also affect the plains and will further aggravate the virus situation in plains.
Certain precautions must be taken to keep yourself free from the H1N1 virus. Wash hands or use sanitizers before eating. Be cautious before using public facilities. Also, pregnant women should avoid public places since they are more prone to Swine Flu. If cold and cough prevails for a long time, make sure to visit the doctor and take adequate measures. After all, prevention is always better than cure!
