Review of swine flu positive cases in Kakinada-2018

Abstract

Introduction: Influenza is known to cause annual seasonal epidemics. Swine origin influenza was first recognized in the border area of Mexico and United States in April 2009. 1 The currently circulating strain of Swine origin influenza virus of the H1N1 strain has undergone triple re-assortment and contains genes from the avian, swine and human viruses and is known for the rapidity with which it spreads to the community. 2 Materials and Methods: 400 cases suspected with influenza like illness from in and out patient units of department of Pulmonary Medicine, Government General Hospital, Kakinada were included in the study. 70 patients were subjected to RT-PCR. Medical records of 42 patients who were admitted, who were suspected clinically as H1N1 and confirmed by RT-PCR method, were examined thoroughly in the present study. An ethical committee approval and consent was taken from all patients before included in the study. Results: out of 400 cases 250 are of category A and 80 patients are of category B. Out of Category C patients, 42 are H1N1 positive by RT-PCR. Among 42 cases, most common affected age group is 51-60 years (37.40%). Males are more involved (52.38%). The common presenting symptoms were breathlessness, cough, and fever. 59.52% of positive cases were associated with various comorbidities. Conclusions: Most of patients with influenza like illness belongs category A and B. In our area H1N1 prevalence of is high in elderly age group and in males. Most of the patients recovered well with Oseltamivir and symptomatic treatment. Proper preventive measures, personal care and hygiene and isolation of patients and admission to designated swine flu ward can be helpful in preventing the spread of infection with in the community. Keywords: Influenza infection, H1N1, Swine flu.