Swine Flu threat to reduce by Aug end

KOLKATA: Swine flu claimed at least 20 lives in West Bengal in 2017 and the outbreak had affected nearly 200 people across the state. This year, however, H1N1 has not resurfaced in such a magnitude and the peak season for the virus outbreak will be over by the end of August.

According to virologists, the season for H1N1 is May to August. Generally, the virus starts circulating by May, thrives during monsoon, peaks by July and then retreats by the end of August. Experts said there could be few cases round the year apart from the vulnerable season.

“The positive aspect of this year is, we are already nearing July end, the month during which the circulation of the virus peaks. Therefore a handful of cases should be no reason to press the panic button. This is very normal,” said a virologist attached with School of Tropical Medicine.

Doctors, however, insisted that the pubic specially those in the vulnerable category takes up preventive measures during the monsoon as the virus thrives during the rains. Good hand hygiene, wearing protective masks are some of the precautions to be taken not only to prevent swine flu but also other forms of influenza outbreak.

“Whenever one is in a public place, like metro stations, trains or buses, it’s best to wear masks. The rule is especially for children and adults who are susceptible to respiratory diseases,” said Angshuman Mukherjee, consultant, Fortis Hospital.

“We are asking patients not to panic, because swine flu is curable. To stop spread of the disease within the family, try and keep at least 3-feet distance from the patient. The disease spreads during incubation period, so try and be aware,” said Mukherjee, recalling a situation last year when three members of the same family contacted swine flu and had to be admitted in the hospital.

Dhiman Sen of Apollo Hospital said: “Early diagnosis is key to the success against swine flu, even though it could turn fatal sometime.”

Last year’s outbreak was bad, he said, with deaths being reported at short intervals. The first swine flu death in 2017 occurred in April. From then on, hospitals would have to report swine flu cases and condition of patients on a daily basis, so that every affected person could be tracked.

A major H1N1 outbreak in 2015 plagued the country. The outbreak claimed at least 25 lives while around 500 were affected. But the virus did not resurface in 2016 in a major way. Only a few sporadic cases were reported. It reappeared again in 2017, affecting more than 200 and killing at least 20.

The state health department had been keeping round-the-year vigilance so H1N1 outbreak does not come back to haunt.

“Few sporadic cases should be no reason for panic. We have been very vigilant through the year and hence we are hopeful that such measures will pay off,” said Dr Ajay Chakraborty, director of medical education.