Swine flu shocks with a cruel return in summer

The disease claimed three lives in peak summer, disproving the belief that the H1N1 virus strikes only in cold conditions

A strange thing happened this summer. While temperatures hovered between 45 and 48 degrees Celsius in the State, and a large number succumbed to heat strokes during the period, three people died of swine flu at Gandhi Hospital.

Swine flu, a viral disease that originated in the United States and Mexico, was hitherto known to thrive only in cold weather. It is, evidently, not a seasonal ailment anymore.

The virus (H1N1) has completely gone ‘local’, adjusted to the local climate, and has become a clear and present danger. Doctors say it is an ailment that one has to be prepared to deal with all year.

Fears come true

The development has stumped local health officials – the virus has managed to survive a temperature of nearly 47 degree Celsius and also claim a victim in the process. Specialists, who have maintained that H1N1 thrives in cold and rainy season, now maintain a cautious approach.

“Our suspicions about H1N1 have come true. It has definitely mutated. At present, the swine flu virus that is circulating here is not seasonal anymore. At least in Telangana, this is true. We have seen H1N1 deaths in peak summer this year. These developments will force public healthcare workers to redraw strategies to fight the ailment,” said State Co-ordinator for H1N1, K. Narasimhulu.

Year-long vigil

Senior doctors say the new development should prompt year-long planning to handle H1N1 in Hyderabad and elsewhere in Telangana. “There is ample evidence that like most water and vector-borne diseases, H1N1 too should be looked as a year-long ailment,” Dr. Narasimhulu points out.

H1N1 spares none

Another popular belief that has been shattered is that H1N1 victims are always aged, and have health complications such as heart and kidney ailments, pregnant woman and children. In fact, H1N1 has claimed the lives of those between 20 and 35 years of age. Taking precautions is thus mandatory for all age groups, doctors say.

“If individuals are alert, take precautions and are basically aware of the signs and symptoms of H1N1, then swine flu can definitely be managed. For that to happen, a lot of effort in spreading awareness about the ailment has to be taken up all year,” says swine flu specialist and professor of Pulmonology Medicine at the Osmania Medical College K. Subhakar.

Reporting by M. Sai Gopal