With H1N1 (swine flu) cases climbing across the city during the monsoon season, medical associations have issued a fresh public health advisory urging residents to take precautionary measures and, above all, avoid self-medicating with antibiotics or antiviral drugs.
Surveillance by the Indian Council of Medical Research has confirmed that the circulating strain remains the familiar seasonal H1N1 virus, with no new genetic mutations detected, and health officials have stressed there is no cause for panic even as vigilance is stepped up. Doctors have sought to strike a balance between caution and reassurance. Physicians have particularly cautioned against self-treatment. People experiencing significant flu-like symptoms — fever, cough, sore throat or body aches — have been advised to consult a doctor rather than reach for antibiotics or antivirals on their own, and to avoid unnecessary outings, especially to crowded places, until they recover.
When to seek emergency care
The advisory flags several warning signs that call for immediate medical attention, including difficulty breathing or rapid breathing, chest pain or persistent pressure, bluish discolouration of the lips or fingers, coughing up blood, confusion or extreme drowsiness, seizures, and persistent vomiting or an inability to keep fluids down.
