Swine flu cases are going up in number across South India, with two deaths now reported from Mysuru in Karnataka. A 23-year-old pregnant woman and a 70-year-old man have reportedly died due to the flu, said Times of India.
There has been an alarming increase in the number of swine flu cases in Karnataka in 2017. Just two months in, this year has already seen three times as many cases of H1N1 compared to 2016. While the number of swine flu cases in Mysuru in 2017 has now gone up to 27, the total number for Karnataka stands at 344 cases, reports said.
In 2015, 3565 cases of swine flu were reported in the state while only 303 cases were registered in 2014.
"In such diseases, the number of cases spikes every few years, as the virus mutates and returns in a more severe form," Dr Karanth told TOI.
Meanwhile in neighbouring Tamil Nadu, 9 people have died and over 1000 affected by the virus in just the last two months. As the virus thrives more in less humid areas, Telangana was one of the worst hit regions. Between August and February, 13 people died because of the flu in the state, according to the Telangana government.
The symptoms of swine flu are very similar to the regular flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headaches, chills and fatigues. Diarrhoea and vomiting has also been associated with the swine flu.
In addition, the flu reportedly intensifies underlying chronic medical conditions like respiratory failures and pneumonia after initially affecting the lymphatic system of the body.
The flu predominantly spreads from contact with someone who is infected. Even touching something held by an infected person and then keeping your hand near your mouth or nose could spread the virus.
Although, there are vaccines available, doctors prescribe it to high-risk individuals given the nature of virus changes from time to time.