Swine flu knocks early: 16 cases, two deaths reported in Ludhiana district
The unusual early arrival of H1N1 influenza cases has surprised the medical fraternity. Swine flu cases are generally detected during winter, but the flu has knocked the door early this year.
According to official figures, 16 patients of swine flu have been detected in Ludhiana during this season so far. Two deaths have also been reported.
“Just like influenza, cases of swine flu usually occur more commonly in late fall and winter. This year, the trend has changed and we are seeing swine flu cases during the summer season. A research is being conducted on the issue by the ICMR. We are trying to understand the new strain and congenial conditions for its spread,” said Dr Bishav Mohan, Medical Superintendent, Hero Dayanand Medical College Heart Institute.
Cardiac patients should be extra careful and take all precautionary measures. A sudden fall in oxygen saturation was observed in some patients and they had to be admitted to the hospital, said Dr Mohan.
Swine flu is a droplet infection that can spread from one person to another. Those having flu should avoid going to crowded places. Quarantine is essential to prevent family transmission, especially for seniors and those with co-morbidities, he added.
Dr Bishav Mohan said the symptoms of swine flu were the same as that of flu. These included fever, chills, nausea, cough and headache. Swine flu also lowered immunity, he added.
The virus usually sticks to the upper part of the respiratory system and it becomes serious when it gets down the lungs. A sudden fall in oxygen level is also experienced at this time.
Dr Rajesh Mahajan, medicine specialist at Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, said, “The virus has been around since 2009 and every two-three years, it leads to high infection rate, depending on the mutation in its strain. This year, it has arrived early and it can be due to the nature of the viral strain that changes every year.”
Ludhiana Civil Surgeon Dr Pardeep Mohindra said 16 swine flu cases had been reported and all these were from Dayanand Medical College and Hospital.
