Jaipur: Rajasthan has intensified swine flu surveillance after fresh H1N1 cases were reported and Delhi sounded an alarm over a spike in infections. The state health department has alerted field teams, hospitals and clinics to closely monitor patients with influenza-like illness, including fever, cough, sore throat, body ache, runny or blocked nose and breathing difficulty. Medical staff have been directed to report and manage suspected cases promptly.A senior health department official said, “We have reported 129 cases of swine flu this year till now. As of now, we have not reported any surge in swine flu cases in the state, but we are alert due to cases reported in Delhi. Since it is a highly infectious disease, we have asked officials across the state to remain watchful.”Doctors have begun prescribing oseltamivir to patients showing flu-like symptoms, particularly those in higher-risk groups. The department is also tracking infection trends and reviewing the availability of treatment stocks.Health officials said H1N1 can spread from person to person, but basic precautions can reduce the risk. People have been advised to cover their mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing, wash hands frequently with soap and water, avoid public places if they have fever, cough or sneezing, drink adequate water, eat nutritious food and get sufficient rest.The health department official said influenza A (H1N1) may cause fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, headache, body aches, fatigue, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. In healthy adults, the illness is usually self-limiting and improves with symptom management, fluids and rest.Officials advised people to seek medical care at the nearest health centre if symptoms persist beyond five to six days, worsen or occur in elderly people, children, pregnant women or those with underlying medical conditions.
