Swine flu kills 59 in Rajasthan, here are a few simple steps to stay safe from H1N1 virus

With two more deaths reported from Bikaner and Karauli, Swine flu is continuously posing a challenge in front of the state health department in Rajasthan. As per the official data, as many as 59 people have lost their lives due to swine flu between January 1 and 24 in Rajasthan. Furthermore, another 60 cases came to light, taking the total number of positive cases in the state to 1233 so far. Out of the 60 positive cases, 19 were from the capital city Jaipur, followed by Udaipur, Bhilwara, Pratapgarh, Ajmer and Bharatpur.

In the wake of this vigorous situation, the medical and health department has launched a six-day long screening drive in nearly 20 lakh houses across the state. While 846 people were found with symptoms of swine flu, around 20,000 people were suffering from fever and other infectious diseases.

Talking about Uttarakhand, at least eleven people have died due to swine flu in the last 20 days, with the latest victim being a one-year-old child. Since the beginning of this month, 25 swine flu cases have been reported in the state out of which 11 have succumbed to the deadly virus.

What is swine flu?

Swine flu, also known as H1N1 flu, is a human respiratory infection caused by a Swine Influenza Virus (SIV) that started in pigs. H1N1 virus spreads if an individual touches an infected or breathes droplets of coughs and sneezes that are in the air.

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The symptoms of Swine flu include a cough, sore throat, and body ache among others. The symptoms are often similar to that of seasonal flu or viral fever and hence should not be ignored. The virus can prove to be fatal in case of diabetics, children and elderly people.

If one individual is sick or has any flu-like symptoms for a long time should consult a doctor on an immediate basis. People with swine flu symptoms are also advised not to go to school or work. The most effective way to prevent the disease is going for early medical advice and avoiding contact with people tested positive for H1N1 virus.

Here are the few simple steps to avoid swine flu:

Step 1: Whenever you cough or sneeze you should always keep your hand on the face or cover your face. This will not transfer the germs to your hands and then to every object you touch. Even a flu mask can help to avoid the infection in enclosed spaces.

Step 2: Constantly washing hands can help avoid swine flu.

Step 3: Carry a hand sanitizer with you. Always use a hand sanitizer when you shake hands with someone or touch the door's handle, keyboard or someone's table.

Step 4: Make sure you wash your fruits and vegetables with water. You can even soak them in water for greater effectiveness.

Step 5: Avoid going to crowded places. Even if you go to crowded places, you can wear a flu mask.

Step 6: Visit a doctor immediately if you develop the common symptoms of swine flu.