Michigan Strain of H1N1 Swine Flu Sets Foot In India

by Julia Samuel on November 13, 2017 at 6:24 PM

Between 2010 and October 2017, 8,543 people succumbed to deadly swine flu virus according to the latest report on seasonal influenza (H1N1) released by the ministry of health and family welfare's Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme(IDPS).

The report, 'Seasonal influenza (H1N1) - State/UT-wise, year-wise number of cases and deaths from 2010 to 2017 (till 29th October)' states:

A total of 1.14 lakh people were infected by H1N1 in the past seven years.
Maharashtra was the worst hit with maximum deaths (23,812 cases, 716 deaths)
Next in line were Gujarat with 18,206 cases, 431 deaths) and Rajasthan (13, 158 cases, 235 deaths).
Only Sikkim and Lakshadweep are the two areas that have remained untouched by H1N1 cases in the past seven years.
In 2017, four states and a UT - Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Lakshwadeep - have not seen even a single case of H1N1 so far.

The overall number of cases has witnessed a more than 20-fold rise this year as compared to the previous year.

Swine Flu

Swine flu, a type of influenza caused by a new strain of the H1N1 Type A influenza virus has originated from the pigs. Winter always brings along the chills and the flu, make sure you''re safe this season.

‘In the past 7 years, the highest incidences of swine flu were noted in 2015 with 42,592 cases and 2990 deaths.’

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In 2016, there were just 1786 cases across the country but the number has already reached 37,848 in 2017. In the past seven years, the highest incidences were noted in 2015 (42,592 cases, 2990 deaths).

According to officials, the new Michigan strain of H1N1 swine flu virus has also been identified in India this year, against which there are no effective vaccines.

Swine Flu, H1N1 Virus Vaccine Found Effective in Disease Prevention

Pandemic influenza vaccines produced for swine flu, and influenza virus were effective in preventing the disease and reducing hospitalizations.

Even in Arunachal Pradesh which didn't see a case in the past seven years, the mutated strain has been detected in patients. The state saw one death and five cases this year.

Symptoms of Swine Flu

The symptoms of swine flu closely resemble the symptoms of influenza-like illnesses. The severity of the disease can vary from mild to very severe. The common flu-like symptoms include -

Chills and fever
Severe head ache
Sore throat
Muscle or joint pain
Weakness, fatigue

In children, the Flu-like symptoms may get worse with a continuous cough. Symptoms in children may be more pronounced and serious and maybe a cause of concern:-

Breathing may be troubled or fast
Skin color may have bluish tinge
There may be a rash with fever

Source: Medindia

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Watch Out For Swine Flu

With the winter winds blowing in, there's always a risk of catching cold. Let the symptoms not confuse you, it may be swine flu. Grab the basics of swine flu....

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