There is a sudden spurt in the number of H1N1 influenza cases in Kerala. As many as 180 cases and 11 deaths were reported in the state this month. There have been 494 confirmed cases of H1N1 this year so far, including 24 deaths.
Besides, a 30-year-old woman died of the complications arises due to H1N1. She was undergoing treatment for H1N1 influenza. A high number of H1N1 cases was first reported in Tamil Nadu. Kerela districts that share the border with Tamil Nadu are put on high alert.
According to a district surveillance officer, around 83 doctors of primary health centers were given training on early detection and intervention. All the suspects would be given oseltamivir medicine at the earliest.
H1N1 flu has some peculiar symptoms such as fever, running nose, cough, sore throat and body ache. Though mild infection usually subsides with paracetamol tablets, in a high-grade infection, a patient may suffer from high fever and may require hospitalisation.
The spread of flu can be avoided by covering nose and mouth while coughing or sneezing with a cloth or tissue. Frequent hand washing and avoiding over crowded spaces help a great deal in controlling the spread of the infection. Patients are advised to increase their fluid intake and eat food rich in vitamin C.