The H1N1 virus which claimed the lives of over thousands of people has made a comeback. This virus along with various viral diseases like dengue has created havoc in the city of Mumbai. Fever has contributed to over 6,000 hospitalisations in the past two weeks, with the patients mostly suffering from viral fever, pneumonia and dengue as said by the doctors.
The spread of the virus so far
As reported by The Times of India, 75 deaths have been accounted for in the state of Maharashtra while 700 have been affected so far. Nashik and Pune are the areas which have been affected the most, with the reports claiming of the infection starting since the end of July. A handful of cases have also been reported from Thane district with 50-year old women being the latest victim. On September 21, a 40-year old woman was admitted in Bombay Hospital situated in marine lines, who was tested positive for H1N1. The consultant physician Dr Gautam Bhansali told The Times of India that it was the second case of H1N1. He added that more than H1N1, incidents of viral fever and pneumonia were increasing at an alarming rate and the affected persons would need advanced care including ICU care and ventilator facilities.
Festive season and fluctuating climate
According to the state epidemiologist Dr Pradeep Awate, the ongoing festival season which sees a large gathering of people combined, and with fluctuating climate, creates favourable conditions for virus transmission. He also said that the tests conducted by the National Institute of Virology, have found influenza A, H3N2 and respiratory syncytial as the possible causes of this spread. Dr Khusrav Bhajan, who works at the Mahim’s PD Hinduja Hospital told the Times of India that almost half of the dengue cases had a viral fever as its first symptom and was tested for dengue only after a week. He also urged the citizens not to waste time in self-medicating and have a professional checkup as soon as possible.
Other states affected
On September 24, four new cases of H1N1 were reported from Rajkot in Gujarat, thereby taking the toll to 36 in the district since the beginning of the month, as reported by The Times of India.
In Chikkamagaluru district of Karnataka, a 47-year-old plantation worker died of H1N1. A member of the gram panchayat told The Times of India that the deceased was suffering from fever from a week which worsened on September 24.
Prevention of H1N1
The H1N1 virus is like any other flu which is transmissible by contact. Although it is curable, one can avoid having it by keeping in mind some basic hygienic manners like washing your hands frequently, containing your cough and sneezes. Even if one merely has the symptoms, it is advised that he/she stays at home and avoid the risk of catching the H1N1 virus or transmitting it to someone else and quickly get a diagnosis done.
The Logical Indian’s take
The H1N1 virus has proved to be a deadly disease in the past. That was mainly because there was a limited amount of information about this disease. But it isn’t the case anymore. Now with the vaccines against it in the market, it has become quite simple to avoid it. The Logical Indian urges the citizens to look for symptoms and always refer to a licensed practitioner for further guidance.
