H1N1 influenza, commonly known as swine flu, is reportedly spreading rapidly in Tamil Nadu even before the intensification of the northeast monsoon. The increase in cases has prompted the Public Health Department and the Union Health Ministry to issue precautionary guidelines and advisories.
The number of reported swine flu cases in the State has risen sharply from 19 in January to 339 now. Government and private hospitals in several parts of Tamil Nadu have also witnessed a noticeable increase in the number of patients visiting fever wards.
Fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, severe headache, fatigue and loss of appetite are among the common symptoms. Some patients may also experience joint and muscle pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.
The health authorities have advised people not to ignore even mild symptoms such as cold, fever or cough. The public has also been cautioned against self-medication and purchasing medicines directly from pharmacies without medical
advice.
People developing symptoms have been advised to immediately approach the nearest government or private health facility, undergo appropriate medical evaluation and take treatment as advised. The authorities have stressed that following preventive measures is essential to contain the spread of the
infection.
