Swine flu is caused by the H1N1 virus which is spreading panic across the country with deaths being reported from several States since Monday. Telangana state comes in number one position in positive cases and deaths so far this year. Seven persons have died due to swine flu in Telangana this year and as many as 169 patients are currently undergoing treatment for the H1N1 virus at various hospitals. Last year, there were 11 deaths in Telangana and 5 deaths in Andhra Pradesh.

169 swine flu patients in Telangana:

Swine flu coordinator for Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, K. Subhakar said they have started carrying out swine flu test for most of the patients suffering from flu, even though it is not necessary as per Central government guidelines. He has also claimed that the situation was under control despite the number of death cases due to swine flu have climbed to 27.

Last year, 88 cases of swine flu were reported in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh and 11 people had succumbed to it. Doctors say children, elderly people and those suffering from respiratory problems are highly susceptible to the virus. Over 150 swine flu positive cases have been reported along with seven deaths in just 20 days between January 1, 2015 and January 20 in Telangana.

According to Dr K Narasimhulu, coordinator for swine flu at Gandhi Hospital here, 27 patients of swine flu are currently undergoing treatment in the state-run hospital while 35 cases are under investigation for suspected influenza.

“Till yesterday we had 23 patients undergoing treatment in our hospital. We received four more cases today. At the same time, 35 suspected cases, including 10 children, are under observation,” he said.

Swine Flu Cases Rises in Hyderabad:

The situation appears to be grim in the state capital Hyderabad. Swine flu claimed three more lives in Hyderabad on Tuesday, taking the toll in Telangana this year to ten. Two of the patients died in Osmania Hospital and another death took place in Gandhi Hospital, the nodal hospital for the disease.

With over 20 lakh people travelling from the city to their villages, the health officers fear that the number of swine flu cases may rise within a week. Due to this reason, the health officials are asking those who come back from their villages recently and are showing symptoms of swine flu, must immediately consult a doctor and also opt for self-isolation.

Swine Flu Symptoms:

People who have swine flu can be contagious one day before they have any symptoms, and as many as 7 days after they get sick. Kids can be contagious for as long as 10 days.

Most symptoms are the same as seasonal flu. They can include:

cough

fever

sore throat

stuffy or runny nose

body aches

headache

chills

fatigue

Like seasonal flu, swine flu can lead to more serious complications, including pneumonia and respiratory failure. And it can make conditions like diabetes or asthma worse. If you have symptoms like shortness of breath, severe vomiting, abdominal pain, dizziness, or confusion, call your doctor or 911 right away.

Tests for Swine Flu:

It’s hard to tell whether you have swine flu or seasonal flu, because most symptoms are the same. People with swine flu may be more likely to feel nauseous and throw up than people who have seasonal flu. But a lab test is the only way to know for sure. Even a rapid flu test you can get in your doctor’s office won’t tell you for sure.