Doctors say vaccinate, don't panic.
Swine flu cases continue to climb in Delhi with 1,777 confirmed so far — nearly six times the 290-odd cases in same period last year. Hospitals report a surge over past two weeks, patients in age groups. Current strain yet to be ascertained, genetic clarity needed on whether virus mutated or behavior change.
At Apollo Hospitals, 20 patients seen everyday, 15% positive. A 32-year-old businessman from Gujarat on ventilation, cabin suspected to have swine flu. Of 20 patients in OPD, positive.Symptoms: fever, headache, cough, muscle ache, tiredness, chills and sweating. Mild illness can quickly turn into severe condition.Who is at risk? Dr Gupta says people with co-morbidities more prone, heart disease, diabetes, immunity from other conditions face higher risk of severe illness. At Max Hospital, Saket, Dr Rommel Tickoo confirms surge: "We are seeing a lot of swine cases. Those with co-morbidities have complications and develop pneumonia, bronchitis. But few have needed ICU admission." Dr S C Chatterjee: seasonal influenza vaccine would be clear only after genetic study.
Treatment: Oseltamivir works best if taken within 48 hours. Paracetamol for body ache. No antibiotics.
Prevention is classic: take flu vaccine once a year, best time October. Wear mask in crowded places, wash hands frequently, avoid close contact with sick people, keep spaces well-ventilated, take adequate rest.
But there is a new twist. H1N1's reach extends beyond chest cavity. Dr Gautam Naik, senior cardiologist at Indraprastha Apollo, warns. Influenza can have significant effects on cardiovascular system, triggers systemic inflammation, raises heart rate and increases body's metabolic demands, placing added stress on heart. In patients who already have atherosclerosis, inflammation can destabilise cholesterol plaques, increase risk of heart attack, fever, dehydration, low oxygen push weakened heart toward failure. In rarer cases, virus can cause myocarditis. Major cardiac risk tied to flu is increased likelihood of acute coronary syndrome or heart attack, worsening of heart failure. While research shows risk of heart attack rises in weeks following influenza infection, virus acts as trigger in people who already have cardiovascular vulnerability.
Symptoms not to ignore: new or persistent chest pain or pressure disproportionate to respiratory symptoms. Same for fainting or severe dizziness, unexplained swelling, increasing leg swelling, sudden worsening of breathlessness. Chest discomfort accompanied by sweating, nausea, pain radiating to arm, shoulder, back or jaw should be treated as potential cardiac emergency.
How does age factor? Highest among those with pre-existing heart disease, diabetes, hypertension or other risk factors. However, young people with no cardiac history are not entirely immune. Viral infections like influenza can on occasion cause myocarditis even in previously healthy heart.
Most people recover fully with no permanent heart damage. Risk lingers after recovery: infection in patients whose infection led to myocarditis, heart attack, significant arrhythmias may need structured cardiac follow-up since inflammation, clotting tendency and cardiac dysfunction can persist.
Take flu shot, advise doctors. Within 3 weeks immunity kicks in. Annual shot, even if infected with different strain, body gets some cross-protection.