274 swine flu cases in 7 days, Karnataka staring at the worst
Synopsis
In last one week, four people have died of swine flu in Mysuru, Kolar, Chikkamagaluru, and Shivamogga. Swine flu is largely a winter disease and with approaching summer the number of infected people will gradually decrease.
Since February 24 until March 2, 274 people in Karnataka have been tested positive for H1N1, and since January seven people have died of this disease. As per a report, in last one week, four people have died of swine flu in Mysuru, Kolar, Chikkamagaluru, and Shivamogga.
According to Karnataka Health and Family Welfare Department data, 344 H1N1 cases were detected between January 1 and February 23 this year. The total number of swine flu patients is 618 as of now that shows a sharp rise from last year’s 110 .
However, according to experts, this high number indicates high awareness about this disease among people who are going for various stringent medical tests to detect H1N1 reported Times Of India.
As per doctors, it is challenging to stop the spread of infection, but with approaching summer, it will gradually reduce. The TOI report, quoted chairman of critical-care services, Manipal Hospitals, Dr Sunil Karanth, as saying that it is largely a winter disease. One of Columbia Asia Referral Hospital’s infectious disease consultants, Dr Rini Banerjee, also confirmed that since H1N1 has no correlation with Monsoon, it will weaken during the summer.
Environmental conditions are also said to be one of the reasons for the fast spreading of swine flu. Consultant of Medicine of St Martha’s Hospital stated that incapacity to tolerate heat, congenial environment, and overcrowding in cities are reasons that are helping the disease to spread.
Children, older people, pregnant women, people who have diabetes and those who have low immunity are most likely to catch the H1N1 virus, and the primary symptoms are a sore throat, high fever, dry cough. Cleanliness and a nutritious diet are advisable to help fight the spread of this disease.