H1N1 virus now milder and less lethal: Experts

“When the H1N1 virus emerged in 2009,it was a new strain,thus making a large number of people susceptible. Over the past three years,the strain has been replaced by a seasonal flu instead. It would be incorrect to continue to call it swine flu,” said Dr Abhay Chaudhary,director of Haffkine Research Institute.

Chaudhary said exposure to the strain has resulted in increase in immunity levels. “There were people diagnosed with sub-clinical infections and milder versions of the flu in 2009. Due to this exposure,the immunity system of the population was better equipped to handle it the second time,” he said,adding that children,pregnant women and elderly people continue to remain high-risk groups.

Over 400 swine flu cases were reported in the state in 2009. “The nature of the virus is such that it is inherent within society and might emerge from time to time. It is possible that the strain has undergone variation and a less viral form has emerged,” said Dr Tanu Singhal,infectious disease expert at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital.

The first spate of swine flu cases in the state was reported in Pune in March this year,following which the BMC tied up with private labs across the city to ensure all swine flu cases in the city are reported to them. The civic body also stocked up the swine flu antidote,Tamiflu.

“People with high fever and headaches have been testing positive for the H1N1 virus. However,after administering Tamiflu,all the patients have shown rapid improvement. Early detection and treatment are the key solutions,” said Dr A Bandivdekar,executive health officer of the BMC.

On Tuesday,four cases of swine flu were reported,including a seven-year-old boy from Sewri and a five-year-old girl from Dadar. All the four patients have been administered Tamiflu and are now stable.