On Thursday, more than 100 fresh cases of H1N1 virus infection being recorded in the National Capital, Delhi. Swine flu has continued to wreak havoc in the country with a total of around 1,196 people affected by swine flu in Delhi. At least six people have died due to H1N1 in Delhi this year. Meanwhile, on Thursday, swine flu claimed five more lives in Rajasthan, taking the death toll to 96 - and 2,706 people have been found positive with the influenza.
Rajasthan remained worst hit with swine flu even as India saw an alarming surge in the number of H1N1 cases this year. Till February 3, 2019, the country recorded 6,701 swine flu cases and 226 deaths, compared to 798 cases and 68 deaths during the corresponding period in 2018.
Swine flu is highly contagious, and the virus is believed to spread through saliva and mucus particles.
Following are three practices that may increase the risk of Swine Flu:
1. Breathing in tiny droplets containing flu virus dispersed in the air. When people affected by swine flu cough or sneeze, they spray tiny drops of the virus into the air. Inhaling of such air may lead to catching of Swine Flu.
2. Touching a surface contaminated with germs and virus and then touching your eyes or nose without washing your hands.
3. Having contact with infected pigs is said to be the most common way of catching swine flu. People don’t catch swine flu from eating properly cooked pork products. However, swine farmers and veterinarians who work with and are near pigs have the highest risk of exposure to the disease.
While getting a yearly vaccination is the best way to prevent swine flu, adopting good hygiene habits, eating a healthy diet that promotes the immune system and avoiding direct contact with people who are affected by flu can reduce your risk and help you stay safe.