SLUG– HIMACHAL SWINE FLU
Kangra
Swine flu cases are increasing in Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra district, with seven new infections reported in the past two days. Health officials said more than 33 people have tested positive for Influenza A (H1N1) in the district during the last six months. More than 200 people have been tested so far.
Kangra Chief Medical Officer Dr Omesh Bharti said four positive cases were detected on Thursday and three more on Friday. He said health authorities are seeing around five to six cases every month, but there is currently no evidence of an outbreak. He advised residents to stay alert and seek medical help if symptoms appear.
People suffering from cold, cough or fever have been advised to wear masks and undergo testing. Dr Bharti also stressed the importance of eating nutritious food and drinking enough water. He said there was no need for panic, but taking preventive measures could help reduce the spread of infection.
The Indian Medical Association has also issued an advisory over the seasonal rise in H1N1 cases during the monsoon. It advised people not to take antibiotics or antiviral medicines without medical advice and urged patients with serious symptoms to seek immediate treatment.
The IMA said most H1N1 infections are mild and usually resolve on their own. Common symptoms include sudden fever, chills, dry cough, sore throat, body aches, tiredness, headache and a blocked or runny nose. Children may also experience nausea, vomiting or loose stools. The IMA said monitoring remains important, although no new virus mutation has been detected.