1 week ago
Delhi's Swine Flu Cases Reach 1,777 as Doctors Report Surge
Swine flu cases are increasing in Delhi.
Health officials counted 1,777 confirmed cases by August 20.
Doctors are seeing sick people of many ages in hospitals.
Most people get better with treatment, but some develop serious breathing problems.
Older people and people with certain health conditions are more likely to become severely ill.
Doctors test for the virus using a nose or throat swab.
An antiviral medicine called oseltamivir works best when taken early.
Doctors also recommend an annual flu vaccine for people at higher risk and say there is no need to panic.
Delhi recorded 1,777 confirmed swine flu cases through August 20, according to Delhi Health Department data.
Hospitals including Apollo Hospital and Max Hospital, Saket, have reported more cases over the past two weeks.
Most patients recovered with treatment, but some developed pneumonia, bronchitis or acute respiratory distress syndrome.
Doctors said elderly people and those with diabetes, heart disease or weakened immunity face higher risks.
Doctors recommended early antiviral treatment, annual flu vaccination and medical advice instead of self-medicating with antibiotics.
- Who
- Delhi residents and visitors, including patients across age groups, are being treated by doctors at hospitals such as Apollo Hospital and Max Hospital, Saket.
- What
- Confirmed swine flu cases in Delhi have risen to 1,777, with hospitals reporting a recent surge and some severe complications.
- Where
- Delhi, including Apollo Hospital in Jasola and Max Hospital in Saket.
- When
- The case total was recorded through August 20, and hospitals reported a surge over the preceding two weeks.
- Why
- Doctors attribute the illnesses to the spread of the H1N1 influenza virus during a season of viral infections; the virus can cause infection in the nose, throat and lungs.
Key facts
- Confirmed cases
- 1,777 cases in Delhi through August 20
- Virus
- H1N1, commonly known as swine flu
- Diagnosis
- A nasal or throat swab tested by RT-PCR; rapid antigen tests are also used
- Antiviral treatment
- Oseltamivir, which works best when started early
- Severe complications
- Pneumonia, bronchitis and acute respiratory distress syndrome
- Higher-risk groups
- Elderly people, pregnant women and people with chronic illnesses or weakened immunity
- Prevention
- An annual quadrivalent influenza vaccine; immunity develops in two to three weeks
Quotes
Dr Rommel Tickoo
Internal medicine specialist at Max Hospital, Saket
“We are seeing a lot of swine flu cases. The elderly people and those with co-morbidities have complications and develop pneumonia, bronchitis. But few have needed ICU admission.”
indianexpress.com
“Everyone coming to my cabin is suspected to have swine flu. Out of 20 patients I see every day, 15 test positive. It’s very common.”
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