Swine flu or H1N1 influenza continues to be cause of concern for India, as death has risen to 624, which is three times more than what was reported last year. Even though mercury is rising, but the deadly disease has refused to die down.
As per data released by government, around 9,300 people have been reported to be infected by the flu this year so far. What is more worrying is the fact that 300 deaths have been cited across the country in February itself.
In 2014, 937 cases were reported including 218 deaths.
The situation has been worsened with the reports of shortage in drug, Tamiflu and inadequate testing facilities doing rounds around Delhi. This has triggered panic among the people.
State health ministry has taken stock of the situation and asked pharmaceutical companies to expedite supply of antiviral medicines to hospitals and licensed retail outlets.
Role of weather in swine flu
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.
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.
Precautions
Doctors are hoping reduction in cases with the increased awareness and proper precautionary measures. Government has also directed states to provide protective kits to health workers. Following are some of the precautions one can take to avoid the deadly disease:
- Wash hands or use sanitizers before eating
- Be cautious before using public facilities
- Pregnant women should avoid public places since they are more prone to Swine Flu
- Visit doctor if cold and cough prevails for a long time, as prevention is always better than cure!
- People suffering from asthma allergy need to take extra precautions as they are more prone to swine flu
