Delhi is witnessing a sharp rise in H1N1, commonly known as swine flu, with the number of cases crossing the 3,000-mark. The national capital recorded 199 fresh H1N1 infections on August 29, taking the season's tally to 3,006, according to the latest health department data.
The rise in cases has raised concerns as H1N1 can initially appear similar to a common viral fever. Both illnesses may cause fever, cough, sore throat, body ache and tiredness, making it difficult to distinguish between them based on symptoms alone.
H1N1 vs common viral fever: What is the difference?
Influenza, including H1N1, often comes on suddenly and can cause fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache and marked fatigue. Some people may also experience nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea.
A common viral fever can also cause fever, weakness, body ache, cough, cold and sore throat. However, symptoms and their severity can overlap considerably, which means a person should not assume they have H1N1 based on symptoms alone.
Doctors may recommend testing depending on the symptoms, severity, risk factors and local situation. People with severe or worsening symptoms should seek medical attention rather than self-diagnosing.
When should you seek medical help?
People should seek prompt medical attention if they develop severe or worsening symptoms, particularly difficulty breathing, chest pain, persistent high fever, confusion, severe weakness or a drop in oxygen levels.
Those at higher risk of complications from influenza should be especially cautious and contact a healthcare professional early if flu-like symptoms develop.
Dos to prevent H1N1 and other flu infections
Wear a mask in crowded places: A well-fitting mask can reduce exposure to respiratory viruses, particularly in crowded or poorly ventilated settings.
Wash your hands regularly: Clean your hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser when soap is unavailable.
Cover your cough and sneeze: Use a tissue or your elbow when coughing or sneezing and dispose of used tissues properly.
Keep indoor spaces ventilated: Bringing in fresh air can help reduce the concentration of respiratory viruses indoors.
Stay home when sick: Avoid going to work, school or crowded places when you have flu-like symptoms to reduce the risk of infecting others.
Consult a doctor if symptoms worsen: Early medical advice is particularly important for people at higher risk of serious influenza complications.
Consider flu vaccination: Annual influenza vaccination is one of the key ways to reduce the risk of influenza and its complications. Speak to a healthcare professional about whether vaccination is appropriate for you.
Don'ts during the H1N1 surge
Don't ignore severe symptoms: Breathing difficulty, chest pain, severe weakness or worsening symptoms should not be ignored.
Don't self-medicate with antibiotics: Antibiotics do not treat viral infections such as influenza and should only be taken when prescribed for an appropriate bacterial infection.
Don't go to crowded places when sick: Staying home when symptomatic can help prevent transmission.
Don't share personal items: Avoid sharing cups, utensils and other personal items with someone who is unwell.
Don't touch your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands: Respiratory viruses can spread when contaminated hands come into contact with the face.
Precautions to take at home
If someone in the household develops flu-like symptoms, try to limit close contact with them, improve ventilation and maintain good hand and respiratory hygiene.
The person who is sick should avoid unnecessary contact with others and follow medical advice regarding testing and treatment. Influenza antiviral medicines may be prescribed in certain cases, and treatment is generally most effective when started soon after symptoms begin.
With H1N1 and other respiratory infections circulating at the same time, symptoms alone may not always tell you exactly which virus is responsible. Therefore, people with severe, persistent or worsening symptoms should consult a healthcare professional rather than relying on self-diagnosis.
