Swine Flu Death Toll Rises to 663 in India

With a total of 624 deaths in the last 50 days, the fear of swine flu has swelled to epidemic proportions in India. Over 300 people have died from the swine influenza across the country in February 2015 alone, against a pan-India figure of 218 swine flu deaths in 2014.

Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda Nadda has reviewed the drug shortage for swine flu patients and held a high-level meeting in which a committee was formed to visit hospitals and look into the drug shortage.

What is Swine Flu?

Swine Flu, also known as pig influenza, is a human disease. Experts say that the current pandemic break transmits from human to human. But the name 'Swine Flu' stuck because originally the disease transmitted from pigs to humans.

What Causes Swine Flu?

Swine Flu is a respiratory disease and is caused by a virus called swine influenza virus. Though other subtypes of SIV such as H1N2, H1N3, H3N1, H3N2 and H2N3 can also be reasons for Swine Flu, the infection is mainly caused by the sub type H1N1.

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Swine Flu is very contagious and it transmits from person to person through the same medium as other flu viruses. The disease is spread through saliva and mucus particles.

What are the Symptoms of Swine Flu?

• Cough
• Fever
• Sore throat
• Stuffy or runny nose
• Body aches
• Headache
• Chills
• Fatigue
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Aching muscles and joints

How to Prevent Swine Flu?

• Maintain a high level of personal hygiene.
• Drink lots of water and eat immune-boosting foods.
• Cover your face while coughing or sneezing.
• Wear surgical masks, and avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth

Medication is available to treat flu caused by the H1N1 virus. Vaccines available at hospitals include: Antiviral medications – Oseltamivir (Tamiflu)and Zanamivir (Relenza). Vaccines help relieve the flu symptoms and reduce the risk of serious complications. One should only take these after a doctor’s prescription.

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Source-Medindia