India: Ludhiana grapples with early arrival of swine flu influenza, 16 cases and 2 deaths reported so far

[Commonground]

[Ludhiana, city, central Punjabstate, northwestern India.]
Media [bolding is mine]

September 11th 2024

PTC Web Desk: The early arrival of H1N1 influenza, commonly known as swine flu, has caught the medical fraternity of Ludhiana off-guard. The virus typically surfaces during winter, but this year, swine flu has made an unexpected appearance during the summer, with 16 cases and two deaths reported in Ludhiana so far, according to official figures.

Experts have expressed concern over the unusual timing of the H1N1 virus. They said swine flu cases usually rise in late fall and winter, but this year cases were being reported during summer as well. It is learnt that the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is conducting a research to understand the new strain.


Health experts have advised cardiac patients to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions, as some patients have experienced a sudden drop in oxygen saturation. The virus, which spreads through droplets, can infect people through close contact.

The symptoms of swine flu closely resemble those of seasonal flu, including fever, chills, nausea, cough, and headache.

- With inputs from our correspondent
https://www.ptcnews.tv/punjab-2/ludh...so-far-4397615

[Commonground]

Media [google translation]
September 12, 2024

Punjab: The trend of "Namaste" will increase again, Advisory issued, be careful

Ludhiana: Deputy Commissioner Ludhiana Sakshi Sahni chaired a virtual meeting with the officials of the Health Department regarding the prevention and control of the possible swine flu. Additional Deputy Commissioner Anmol Singh Dhaliwal, Civil Surgeon Dr. Pradeep Mahindra and other senior officials were also present during the video conference. Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sahni emphasized on setting up flu corners and special wards in all hospitals so that the patients affected by swine flu do not face any difficulty and they can get immediate health facilities. He directed the officials of the Health Department to go door-to-door through Asha workers and make people aware about the prevention of swine flu. Apart from this, awareness campaigns were also run in Aam Aadmi Clinics, dispensaries established in various villages and other health institutions. Issuing an advisory regarding swine flu, Civil Surgeon Ludhiana Dr. Pradeep Kumar said that swine flu H1N1 is a viral disease, mainly it has cold-like symptoms such as fever, cold, cough, sore throat, body ache and sometimes difficulty in breathing. The following precautions are necessary to prevent its spread.

continued: https://punjab.punjabkesari.in/punja...visory-2032849

[Commonground]

Swine flu knocks early: 16 cases, two deaths reported in Ludhiana district

Sep 11, 2024 IST
Excerpt:

According to official figures, 16 patients of swine flu have been detected in Ludhiana during this season so far. Two deaths have also been reported.

“Just like influenza, cases of swine flu usually occur more commonly in late fall and winter. This year, the trend has changed and we are seeing swine flu cases during the summer season. A research is being conducted on the issue by the ICMR. We are trying to understand the new strain and congenial conditions for its spread,” said Dr Bishav Mohan, Medical Superintendent, Hero Dayanand Medical College Heart Institute.

https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/ludhiana/swine-flu-knocks-early-16-cases-two-deaths-reported-in-ludhiana-district/