Thousands of swine flu cases are being reported across India — from Delhi, Punjab and Haryana to West Bengal, Maharashtra, Kerala and even Tamil Nadu — with 178 deaths recorded till July 2024. Dr Sayan Chakrabarty, infectious diseases physician at Manipal Hospital, Kolkata, speaks to Prithvijit Mitra about what caused the uptick
What’s different in the outbreak this year?
Swine flu outbreaks happens every two-three years but this year, we saw an early, more extensive and more frequent outbreak.
While Aug-Sept is the peak period for swine flu, this time it started as early as late-June in Bengal. And a significant number of cases were severe, a pattern consistent across India. This could be because of a change in weather conditions and the nature of the viral strain which changes every year.
Is there any risk of relapse? Is it turning endemic in parts of
India?
A patient could have a re-infection a year later, but a relapse is unlikely the same year. However, the usual cyclical pattern of viral outbreaks is not being followed, as evident from this year’s cases. Frequent outbreaks point at swine flu becoming endemic to some states but we need further evidence.
Does a flu shot help?
It greatly reduces chances of an infection and, like any other vaccine, it’s a shield, especially for seniors that keeps infection on the milder side.
How do you test for it? And when to go to a hospital?
Testing is expensive. So, instead of testing separately for H1N1, we consider an influenza A test range as standard. If there’s reasonable amount of suspicion, we put the patient on swine flu drugs to cut out the risk. Those with fever and other flu symptoms should wear a mask and isolate themselves. If high fever persists for five days or more, along with symptoms like severe body ache, nausea, cough, decreased appetite, nasal secretions and loss of mental alertness, then the patient needs hospitalisation.
Should the patient be quarantined?
That’s a must to prevent transmission. Once H1N1 strikes, there is a 30-40% chance of other family members getting affected. Transmission happens in two ways — droplets through coughing and sneezing (air-borne) and by contact with the patients’ clothes (fomite transmission). Tamiflu is used for those in hospital, but the majority can be managed with treatment at home. Senior citizens and those with multiple comorbidities are at a greater risk.
Studies show that swine flu infections can increase cardiac risks.
Your view?
Not directly, but those with an existing cardiac condition or
severe comorbidities like diabetes or kidney ailments are at risk, especially,
if the symptoms persist along with fever.
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