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Cases of swine flu i.e. H1N1 influenza are increasing rapidly in Delhi. According to Delhi Health Department data, as of August 20, 1,777 cases of H1N1 have been reported in the capital. Last year, only 229 cases were reported during the same period. This means that within a year the number of cases has increased almost eight times. In view of the continuously increasing cases, awareness and caution about H1N1 has become necessary among the people.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), H1N1 is a type of influenza A virus. It can also spread with other influenza viruses, including H3N2. The infection mainly affects the respiratory system and its symptoms can be like common flu or respiratory infection.

What is H1N1 influenza?

H1N1 is an infectious disease caused by the influenza A H1N1 virus. It is also colloquially called swine flu. The virus mainly affects the nose, throat and respiratory system. The infection can spread through contact with respiratory droplets released when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks. The virus can also reach the body by touching an infected surface and then touching the eyes, nose or mouth.

What are the main symptoms of H1N1?

Symptoms of H1N1 infection sometimes appear similar to normal flu. These may include sudden fever, cough, sore throat, runny or blocked nose, and body aches. Some people may also feel headache, chills and extreme fatigue. In some cases, children may also show symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea. However, it is not necessary that every infected person shows all the symptoms.

Who should be more careful?

In most healthy people, flu infection can be cured with treatment and rest, but some people have a higher risk of it becoming serious. The elderly, small children, pregnant women and people already suffering from any serious illness should take special precautions. If fever or respiratory problems persist, there is difficulty in breathing or the patient's condition appears to be worsening, then it is important to contact the doctor immediately. Ignoring serious symptoms can be harmful.

What to do to avoid infection?

Useful ways to protect against flu viruses, including H1N1, are regular hand washing, covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and avoiding getting too close to a sick person. Maintaining distance from others if you have symptoms of the disease also helps reduce the spread of infection. It may also be important to exercise caution in crowded places and consider flu vaccination as advised by health experts. Given the nearly eight-fold increase in H1N1 cases in Delhi within a year, the health department's figures are worrying. However, it is not the case that just because the number of cases increases, the disease will become serious in every patient. The risk of infection can be reduced with timely identification, medical advice and necessary precautions.