With the onset of monsoon, the swine flu cases have resurfaced in Maharashtra. The financial capital Mumbai recorded 85 percent of the state’s share of swine flu, as per the data from the health department.
In Maharashtra, a total of 61 cases of swine flu were reported between July 1 and 16. An analysis of data showed that out of them 52 cases were in Mumbai. As per this calculation, every day three persons are getting detected with swine flu. Last month, a total of 90 patients were diagnosed with the pathogens of swine flu in Mumbai.
The H1N1 flu, sometimes called swine flu, is a type of influenza A virus. Swine flu is a human respiratory infection caused by an influenza strain that started in pigs.
Several city doctors also raised concern about rising cases of swine flu, especially among elderly and school-going students. “We have seen about four cases in the past two weeks of H1N1 influenza. They are middle aged to elderly individuals who have severe rhinorrhea, cough, cold and body pain. On admission, we find them with low oxygen saturation which improves with oxygen,” said Dr Behram Pardiwala, Internal Medicine, Wockhardt Hospitals. “One needs to be suspicious and look out for H1N1 influenza as early treatment is of utmost importance. We have been very lucky that all the four patients went back home within four to five days,” Dr Pardiwala added.
Doctors also warned against another predominant strain– influenza A virus subtype H3N2 which is clinically more severe than H1N1. “In the past two weeks, we are seeing a surge of H3N2 cases. While many patients confuse the symptoms with other monsoon-related ailments, the differentiating feature in patients with H3N2 is the respiratory complaints,” said Dr Vasant Nagvekar, Co-director of Infectious Disease at Sir HN Reliance Hospital.
Elderly with comorbidities like diabetes, COPD, heart disease, chronic kidney disease are most susceptible to the infection. Dr Daksha Shah, chief health executive, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, advised people to avoid crowds and wear masks. “There is no harm in wearing masks while stepping out in the crowd. Also, people should avoid self-medication,” she added.
So far, in most of the cases, patients aren’t requiring hospitalisation. They recover within 8-10 days. “Oseltamivir antiviral drug is drug of choice and should be given for moderate to severe symptoms. Some patients did require oxygen and non-invasive ventilation but no severe complications or fatalities have been witnessed,” said Dr Vimal Pahuja, physician (Internal Medicine) at Hiranandani Hospital.
