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Swine influenza (H1N1) is a respiratory
disease of pigs caused by type A influenza virus. These days, it has become fatal
for humans.
Till now, the disease has claimed 812 lives
across India in 2015. Majority of cases are found in Jammu and Kashmir,
Gujarat, Rajasthan, Delhi and Telangana.
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Swine influenza is contagious. It spreads
quickly from person to person through air, mucus and saliva particles.
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Symptoms of swine flu are similar to the
symptoms of seasonal flu - cough, fever, headache, sore throat, muscle pain,
chills, vomiting or diarrhea.
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People at the risk include: children below
three years of age, pregnant women, adults above 60 years of age, people with weakened
immune systems.
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Swine flu can be diagnosed only through test
in a specialized laboratory by identifying the particular antigens associated
with the virus type.
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Rs 4500 is the charge fixed by Delhi government for H1N1 test. Private labs are charging up to Rs 10,000.
Test kits for swine flu are available with Dr Lal
Pathlabs and SRL Diagnostics. These two private laboratories are authorized by
the government.
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Oseltamivir - trade name
Tamiflu, is the recommended anti viral drug to treat swine flu.
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