SWINE FLU ON RISE IN CITY; TWO DEATHS, 10 NEW CASES REPORTED

The increasing temperature has led to a spike in the number of swine flu cases in the city. Two deaths have been reported and ten new cases of swine flu were registered by the public health department of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

Basically an airborne disease, swine flu is caused by H1N1. The health experts have asked people to be cautious of the fluctuating temperatures and remain hydrated and wash hands frequently.

Mercury continued to remain constant for four consecutive day as the temperature soar up to 37.8 degree. Last Sunday was the second hottest day in October in a decade. The highest temperature recorded in the month of October was 38.6 degree in 2015. However, on Wednesday, the temperature declined to 32 degree. Due to this fluctuating temperature, the cases of viral infections along with swine flu are in steady rise in the city.

As per the information provided by civic health department since the September end, as many as ten cases of swine flu have been recorded. Two deaths have also been reported. “Only one swine flu case was reported in September, while in October, the cases have increased to 10, of which, two patients died," said a senior health official.

The health experts have requested Mumbaikars to be more cautious and take precautionary measures. They have also requested people to drink lots of water. These viruses can spread by airborne respiratory droplets like cough or sneeze, saliva and physical contact.

Dr Om Srivastava, infectious disease experts, said swine flu symptoms are much similar to normal flu due to which people often get confused and they take self medication. “People need to visit the doctor immediately, as the symptoms are quite similar to those of dengue, malaria, leptospirosis and chikungunya. Take medication as prescribed by a doctor only,” he added.