Delhi Records 1,777 Swine Flu Cases Amid Surge Across All Age Groups
Delhi has recorded 1,777 confirmed swine flu cases, with hospitals reporting a spurt in illness across all age groups over the past two weeks. Swine influenza is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses, the most common subtypes being H1N1, H1N2 and H3N2. The H1N1 strain caused the 2009 pandemic, and H1N1, H3N2 and some Influenza B strains have circulated worldwide since. It spreads mainly through coughing and sneezing, or by touching a contaminated surface. Treatment is largely supportive — antibiotics do not work on viruses — while the antiviral oseltamivir, taken early, reduces severity.
India has a quadrivalent influenza vaccine; annual immunisation is advised for those aged 60+ and the immunocompromised | The WHO, founded 7 April 1948, is headquartered in Geneva; World Health Day is 7 April | The National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) is based in New Delhi