Viral nfection is increasing in Delhi-NCR. H1N1 increases the risk of infection every third test.

Cases of respiratory infections such as cold, viral fever, influenza and H1N1 are increasing in Delhi-NCR these days. Amid changing weather, temperature fluctuations and ever-increasing infections, the number of patients coming to hospitals with complaints of cough, cold, fever and body ache is increasing. According to reports, 1,449 cases of H1N1 have been reported in Delhi so far. Special wards have been set up at RML Hospital and Safdarjung Hospital.

It is being told that one out of every three patients is being tested positive during the investigation. Infections like H1N1 and flu are also being reported in children. The availability of medicines is also under pressure due to an increase in the number of cold and flu patients in Ghaziabad and adjoining areas of Delhi.

What infections are you worried about?
H1N1 is swine flu.

H1N1 is a viral infection. Its cases can increase during seasonal changes and temperature fluctuations. The common symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headaches, chills and fatigue.

Viral fever and influenza

Symptoms like fever, sore throat, cough, runny nose, body aches and fatigue can be seen in viral infections and flu. Sometimes the initial symptoms are so similar that it becomes difficult to identify the infection on the basis of symptoms alone.

covid-19

COVID-19 can also cause symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue and body aches. Some patients may also experience a loss of taste or smell. It would not have been possible to make a definite distinction between Covid and flu on the basis of symptoms alone; A test can be done if needed.

Common cold

The common cold - Coughing, runny or stuffy nose and sore throat are the most common complaints. Its symptoms are usually milder than the flu and can develop gradually.

What's the difference between cold, flu, H1N1, and COVID?

Common cold symptoms include a runny nose and sore throat. The flu can cause sudden high fever, headache and body aches. H1N1 is also an infection associated with a type of flu virus and its symptoms can be similar to the common flu, but in some patients the disease can be more severe.

The symptoms of Covid-19 can be very similar to those of flu and other respiratory infections. Therefore, in severe or persistent symptoms, it is important to consult a doctor and get tested as per requirement.

The main symptoms of H1N1 are fever or chills, dry cough, sore throat, headache, body and muscle pain, runny or stuffy nose, extreme weakness and fatigue.

Symptoms usually appear a few days after exposure to the infection.

Who needs to be more careful?

Children, pregnant women, elderly people and people with co-morbidities should take special care. Infection can also spread rapidly among school-going children, as they are constantly in contact with other children.

Patients with respiratory problems such as asthma and COPD should be especially protected against the flu and other respiratory infections.

What to do to prevent infection?

Be careful in crowded places, cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing and take care of hand hygiene. Avoid close contact with others if you are sick. Adequate rest and water intake are also important.

Seek immediate medical attention if you develop symptoms such as high or persistent fever, difficulty in breathing, chest pain, extreme weakness, confusion or severe lethargy in children.

At this point, the most important message is: Don't ignore every cough as a common cold. Amid the increase in infection in Delhi-NCR, keep an eye on the symptoms, take precautions and consult a doctor for examination and treatment if needed.