As swine flu cases reported across country, experts warn of similar spike in Delhi

Amid ongoing surge in coronavirus infection, experts have warned of a spike in Swine flu cases in Delhi as fresh infections have been recorded from or states in country too. It's important to te that Delhi had reported a steep rise in swine flu cases in August 2021. So far, Maharashtra has reported 7 deaths from swine flu in Maharashtra, with 142 cases. Uttar Pradesh and Kerala have also recorded infections from swine flu.

"We are seeing onset of season of Swine flu infection. Right w cases have started to increase in Maharashtra. Swine Flu generally spreads to people who handle pigs. Human to human transmission is also reported. So, it is very important for you to wash your hands regularly, eir with an alcohol-based sanitizer or soap," said Dr Avi Kumar, Senior Consultant Pulmology, Fortis Escorts Heart Institute said.

Symptoms of swine flu

Dr Avi, informing about symptoms of swine flu said, "Swine Flu is generally caused by influenza virus, which resides in pigs. symptoms of swine flu are fever, sore throat, running se, se block. Basically, upper respiratory system gets affected due to virus."

re is a possibility of a spike in swine flu cases in Delhi said Senior Consultant Internal Medicine at Indraprastha Apollo, Dr S Chatterjee. "I haven't seen too many cases of swine flu in Delhi, as of w. But it can happen anytime. season will come and you will experience same symptoms as flu."

Swine flu basically attacks respiratory system

Apart from affecting respiratory tract, disease can potentially affect or organs and result in a multiple organ failure, "It can involve or systems as well. And n it can have different symptoms when it involves different organ systems. We have seen so many mortalities when it was at its peak and when we had an epidemic. It can lead to multi-organ failure as it involves respiratory system."

Dr Avi explaining precautions to be taken to protect against swine flu said, "Do t touch face of people who have been infected and also avoid going to crowded places. People above 65 years of , ones who have comorbidities, and young children are at higher risk of infection."

Swine flu Vs Covid-19 

While swine flu can cause death, it is less contagious than Covid-19, however, guard should t be brought down, Dr Avi said. re is need to panic about disease, if infection involves a fever, n be it Covid-19, swine flu, or a common cold, treatment is t complicated, doctor said. 

" symptoms of COVID-19 and Swine Flu infections are generally same. Earlier we used to get patients who lost smell and taste after being infected with Covid, but wadays symptoms are almost similar. COVID-19 is more infectious, it is more contagious and spreads faster than  swine flu. severity of increase in also increases in Covid," said Dr Avi.

Im: ANI