Swine flu in India: 6 people from Mizoram suspected from Swine flu, samples sent to Kolkata

Swine flu that has claimed around 1,500 lives with more than 27,000 people been infected with the H1N1 influenza A virus, now has 6 new cases from the North-eastern state, Mizoram. The samples of the six infected people have been sent to the National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases, Kolkata from Mizoram last month. Read about swine flu causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.

Dr Pachuau Lalmalsawma, Nodal officer of the state Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme, said that while five samples were sent to the Kolkata institute last month, one sample of suspected swine flu case was sent yesterday. Two swine flu cases have been detected in Mizoram with one of them being treated at the Aizawl Civil Hospital and another one was reported to have been completely cured. The state health department was conducting screening of people at the lone Lengpui Airport near Aizawl and Mizoram Assam border Vaitengte town since February 23. Here are 15 precautions every Indian should take to prevent swine flu.

Diagnosis of Swine flu what you should know about the deadly H1N1 virus

Dr Prakash Jiandani, director of critical care unit, Wockhardt Hospital, South Mumbai explains, As swine flu is a viral infection of the respiratory system and characterized by flu-like symptoms, a throat swab is one of the most effective ways to detect the virus. Other tests that are done include mucus test and blood test.

However here are few things you need to know about diagnosis of swine flu:

• There is no need to prepare for the test such as fasting before getting test. However, do not use mouthwash before going for the test as it may cleanse the microbial load present in the throat region.
• If symptoms such as fever, cough or body pain do not subside within 2 3 days, then you should visit your doctor. Based on your symptoms and the severity of the infection, he/she may recommend tests or start with treatment for flu. Here are swine flu symptoms and signs you MUST be aware of!
• As it takes around one day s time for the symptoms to be seen after infection with the virus, it should be noted that those who are infected are contagious from a day prior to the sickness and around 5-7 days after the infection subsides.
• Children, pregnant women and those suffering from life-threatening diseases and having low immunity are at an increased risk of infection and hence, if they experience any flu-like symptoms they should get tested to prevent spread of the infection.

You may also like to read about IMA guidelines to tackle swine flu (H1N1 influenza) in India

With inputs from PTI

Image Source: Getty Images

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