Hospitals are already on guard, and the government is taking steps to warn people and create awareness.
Gurgaon has been put on alert after 40 suspected swine flu cases surfaced in the city. There are already eight confirmed cases. After its appearance in 2014 and 2015, it could well be surfacing again this year.
The government is already taking steps to warn people and also create awareness.
Swine flu virus, also known as the H1N1 flu, is transmitted from pigs to humans. Thus, washing hands regularly with a good sanitiser and avoiding outside food are important preventive measures. The most common protection against the virus is a face mask.
“The virus spreads with contact, and hence, isolation is required. Swine flu patients usually complain of high fever, cough, cold, body ache, head ache and breathing difficulties,” explained Dr Sanjay Wazir, director, Cloudnine Hospital, Gurgaon
“The virus never really disappears. However, it appears when it finds most conducive environment. Hospitals need to be prepared and should be on guard,” said Dr BK Bajora, chief medical officer, Civil Hospital, Gurgaon.
Noida, too, has reported a spate of swine flu cases this past week, which has the state government pretty concerned.
With about 52 cases reported — and one death — the number is increasing every day. The district administration has also issued a set of guidelines to be followed by schools to protect children from the disease. On symptoms being noticed, the child is to be sent home and treatment facilitated immediately.
Prayer meetings in schools may be discontinued for a few days to avoid close group contact. Swine flu is known to spread through sneezing, coughing and similar such symptoms.
Dr Anurag Bhargava, chief medical officer of the district, said that the government has issued these directions to prevent the spread of the infection. “The guidelines are being implemented and steps taken to stem its spread,” Bharhgava added.
