India swine flu update: 275 deaths, 2500 positive

A total of 275 people across India have succumbed to swine flu this year while over 2,500 others have tested positive for the disease, the health ministry said on Friday. While Rajasthan recorded the maximum of 112 deaths, Gujarat was second with 58 fatalities. Twelve people have died due to the disease in Delhi. A total of
2,527 people tested positive for the Influenza A (H1N1) virus, which causes swine flu, in 35 states and union territories. The highest number 878 cases were registered in Delhi followed by Rajasthan which recorded 586 cases.
What is the swine flu virus?
Swine flu is caused due to a zoonotic disease which originally was transmitted from pigs to humans and now spreads from one human to another. The symptoms of swine flu are very similar to regular influenza and include fever, headaches, chills, diarrhoea, coughing and sneezing. One can prevent infection by maintaining basic hygiene and wearing a proper surgical mask during flu season. The number of cases shoots up during the summers and monsoon seasons. There are various vaccines available to combat the disease and antiviral treatments for prevention as well. One should however only use these medicines under a doctor’s supervision as indiscriminate use might result in susceptibility to the virus.