Ludhiana has reported 26 swine flu cases so far this year, says reports. The health officials of the district have highlighted an early increase in the number of cases of the disease. According to a report in Hindustan Times, district epidemiologist Dr Ramanpreet Kaur said, “Last year, the district logged 33 cases.
However, they started surfacing with the onset of winter. This year, the cases started as early as July, which is something not usually seen. Dr Kaur said that the total number of cases this year might be higher given that 26 cases have already been recorded till early October.
She added while there have not been any deaths due to the disease this year, two of the cases are active. Speaking of the symptoms of Swine Flu, Dr Kaur said, “Fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue, diarrhoea and difficulty in breathing are some of the main symptoms that develop in patients with swine flu.” She advised those with such symptoms should see a doctor at earliest.
The doctors advised the same precautions as Covid-19. She added, “Cover your mouth when coughing and sneezing, wash your hands with soap before and after touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, avoid crowded places and stay away from those showing symptoms.” Swine flu which is also known as H1N1 flu is a type of influenza A virus.
Mayo Clinic says that during the 2009-10 flu season, a new H1N1 virus began causing illness in humans. It was often called swine flu and was a new combinat.