Swine Flu Cases On The Rise In Delhi-NCR: How To Stay Safe, Dos And Don'ts To Stay Safe During Flu Season
Swine flu is caused by a virus, which affects pigs. It is highly contagious and spreads through air and solid surfaces.
- Health News
- 2 min read
Influenza B and H1N1 virus (known as swine flu) is spreading in New Delhi and nearby regions, with the number of cases surging due to environmental factors. Reportedly, poor air quality is one of the factors contributing to the rise in swine flu cases in the NCR. As a result, hospitals are seeing a surge in patients with H1N1 virus.
After the swipe flu breakout in 2009 and eventually moving into the post-pandemic period in 2010, Director-General Health Services & WHO stated that localised outbreaks of the disease would happen in the future. In the Delhi NCR region in India, a localised outbreak of swine flu has happened as a result of poor air quality, among other factors.
What is swine flu (H1N1)?
Swine flu (H1N1) is an infection that a type of flu (influenza) virus causes. It’s called swine flu because it’s similar to a flu virus that affects pigs (swine). The virus leads to lung (respiratory) disease in pigs. Swine flu (H1N1) is a respiratory infection in humans.
Swine flu is highly contagious
During the 2009 breakout of swine flu, millions across the world were affected. A virus causes swine flu (H1N1). It spreads from person to person. When someone coughs or sneezes, droplets go into the air. One can get infected when they breathe in (inhale) the virus. The infection also spreads when you touch a contaminated surface and then touch your mouth, nose or eyes.
How is swine flu (H1N1) treated?
Most people with swine flu (H1N1) who are otherwise healthy don’t need special drugs or treatments to cure the flu. Getting rest, a good amount of fluid intake, a light diet and staying indoors till the flu symptoms have gone away are tips advised by doctors to those infected by swine flu.
How to keep yourself safe from swine flu?
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you sneeze or cough.
If you don’t have a tissue, sneeze or cough into your elbow.
Wash your hands with soap and water.
Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth.
Avoid people who are sick.
Stay home if you're sick.
Don’t share personal items such as cups, straws and utensils.
Published By : Devasheesh Pandey
Published On: 12 March 2025 at 19:29 IST