AGENCIES, Kolkata: While the world is worrying over the scary coronavirus that has claimed thousands of lives, India seems to have an old foe in the barracks. Swine flu is back and has already claimed 10 lives in Uttar Pradesh.
The city of Meerut has seen an alarming spike in the number of people being admitted to hospitals for getting infected with swine flu. At least 71 people have tested positive, reports Deccan Herald. They also reported that out of 71 people, 17 belong to a single battalion of the Uttar Pradesh Provincial Armed Constabulary.
In Karanataka’s Davangere district, seven people have been reported positive, as per The News Minute, while Justice DY Chandrachud had said on February 25 that six judges of the Supreme Court are down with the flu.
This does raise concerns for the well-being of citizens as the deadly disease, also known as H1N1 virus, wreaks havoc on the respiratory system, is contagious and claims lives. A type of influenza virus, it spreads from pigs to humans and the chain carries on. Symptoms include fever, coughing, body chills, sore throat, runny nose and headache. Though a vaccine is available, basic hygiene measures can prevent the spread of the disease.
On the other hand, the fear of coronavirus has claimed victims in poultry markets. With people buying and eating less chicken for fear of contracting the virus, sales have been hit and prices have plummeted.