Following possibility of spread of H1N1 flu virus (swine flu), the health department has sounded an alert in Agra. All the hospitals have been directed to refer any suspicious case to the SN Medial College where required arrangements have been made for diagnosis and treatment.

Last year in October, swine flu infection was confirmed in two cases. One of the patients, a businessman had died during treatment at a private hospital in Delhi. Taking cognizance of the reports of swine flu cases in several cities of UP and neighboring states of Rajasthan and Haryana, the health department has issued alert in Agra.

Agra chief medical officer Mukesh Vats said, “No case of swine flu has surfaced in Agra after October 2018. On daily basis, a
large number of domestic and foreign tourists visit Agra. To prevent any possibility of spread of the swine flu, an alert has been
sounded. We have made all arrangements for standard treatment at SN Medical College. Private labs and hospitals have been
asked to provide details of suspicious cases.”

Swine Flu:

Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs. H1N1 is a flu virus. When it was first detected in 2009, it was called “swine flu” because the virus was similar to those found in pigs.

Transmission from Pigs to Humans: The H1N1 virus is currently a seasonal flu virus found in humans. Although it also circulates in pigs, one cannot get it by eating properly handled and cooked pork or pork products.
In 2009, H1N1 was spreading fast around the world, so the World Health Organization called it a pandemic.

Spread:

1. Swine flu is contagious, and it spreads in the same way as the seasonal flu.
2. When people who have it cough or sneeze, they spray tiny drops of the virus into the air. If a person comes in contact with these drops or touch a surface that an infected person has recently touched, the person can catch H1N1 swine flu.
3. Pregnant women who contract the H1N1 infection are at a greater risk of developing complications because of hormonal changes, physical changes and changes to their immune system to accommodate the growing foetus.