Srinagar, Nov 19: In the last four years, Jammu and Kashmir has reported a significant decrease in Swine Flu deaths, accompanied by a massive decline in cases, according to data from the Union Health Ministry’s Integrated Diseases Surveillance Programme (IDSP).
According to IDSP figures, Jammu and Kashmir recorded 106 swine flu cases in 2020, only four cases in 2021, 69 cases in 2022, and 19 cases so far this year.
Notably, there were no H1N1 deaths in 2020 and 2021. However, in 2022, three deaths were reported among the 69 cases recorded in that year.
Official data from 2017 indicates 26 deaths and 140 H1N1 cases reported that year. Similarly, in 2018, J&K reported 14 H1N1 casualties and 77 cases.
The figures further reveal that in 2019, J&K reported the highest number of swine flu cases so far, with 447 cases and 27 deaths.
In the past eleven months, Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed swine flu cases, with no casualties reported so far this year.
Swine flu, also known as H1N1 or Seasonal Influenza, is a seasonal infection that typically occurs every year, with two peaks in January to March and July to September.
Health officials emphasise preventive measures such as covering the nose and mouth with a tissue or handkerchief while coughing or sneezing, and frequent handwashing with soap and water to curb the spread.
Officials caution that the relatively low number of cases in recent years does not guarantee fewer cases this year, as there could be a potential winter spike in the coming months. They attribute the decline in swine flu cases to the use of masks and adherence to social distancing, considering it is a respiratory infection.
A doctor at GMC Srinagar highlighted that symptoms such as fever, cough, sneezing, and a runny nose could indicate a case of H1N1 influenza, clarifying that it doesn’t necessarily mean the person is H1N1 positive. “It may be any type of flu. These are common viral infections that occur in any part of the world,” the doctor added.
