Coughing all monsoon? Your body might be trying to tell you something bigger, it could be H1N1
Delhi has seen H1N1 cases jump nearly six-fold this season over 1,300 so far, up from around 230 during the same period last year.
H1N1 is a strain of influenza A, and early on it can look much like an ordinary cold. Most people recover on their own, but with cases rising, it's worth knowing when symptoms deserve more attention.
Also Read: Norovirus vs COVID-19 vs hantavirus: Differences you should know right now
5 signs to watch for
- Fever hits suddenly and hard. Colds tend to build up gradually and stay mild. Flu announces itself, a sudden fever along with headache, sore throat, runny nose and body pain.
- Fatigue and body aches feel heavier than usual. Not just tired, but genuinely wiped out, with muscle and joint pain that makes routine tasks feel exhausting.
- The cough is dry, severe or won't let up. It can persist for two weeks or more, even after other symptoms improve. A worsening cough, or one paired with breathing trouble, is worth flagging.
- Breathing feels difficult or your chest feels tight. This goes beyond a blocked nose and can signal complications like pneumonia, especially risky for anyone with existing heart or lung issues.
- You improve, then relapse. A fever or cough that returns or worsens after you'd started feeling better can point to a secondary infection and shouldn't be managed at home indefinitely.
Who's at higher risk
Pregnant women, children under five, older adults, and anyone with a chronic condition, heart, lung, kidney, liver, metabolic, neurological or blood disorders or a weakened immune system face a greater chance of complications.
Also Read: Persistent cough? Kerala doctors flag worsening post-viral cases sweeping across the state
What to do
Don't try to self-diagnose based on symptoms alone, many respiratory infections look alike. Rest, stay hydrated, and limit contact with others, since flu spreads mainly through coughs, sneezes and close contact.
Anyone in a higher-risk group or whose symptoms worsen should see a doctor promptly.
(Disclaimer: This article is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified doctor or healthcare professional for advice about symptoms, diagnosis and treatment)