Hyderabad: Swine flu alive in summer heat

Hyderabad: Despite temperatures soaring high, there have been three deaths due to swine flu from February to March. According to doctors, H1N1 virus is active and sporadic cases will be seen in summer too.

“The H1N1 virus has got used to Indian conditions and the virus is surviving when there is a dip in temperatures at night. Also, the human to human transmission is continuing, making it very important for those who are immune-compromised to be diagnosed and treated early,” said Dr K. Subhakar, senior chest physician.

Doctors said if cold, cough and high fever persists for more than 48 hours, then diagnosis for swine flu must be carried out and immediate treatment started.
Most of the cases that came from the districts came too late due to which there were complications.

“In 2015, there were two cases in peak summer surprising doctors. But since then the pattern of the virus has shown that even in high temperatures those who are susceptible will be affected,” said a senior doctor at Gandhi Hospital.

For this reason, pregnant women, senior citizens and also those who have undergone transplants have been asked to exercise extra caution and seek medical help if they are suffering from high fever and cold during summer.