PUNE: Swine flu virus is rearing its head again, leaving two dead in the city within the first two weeks of 2019.A 46-year-old resident of Kondhwa succumbed to the contagion on January 11 at the Ruby Hall clinic, where she was undergoing treatment . On January 8, an eight-year-old girl from Dhayari died due to H1N1-related complications.The woman had developed influenza-like illness on January 3. “She had fever and chills along with a cough and cold. She later developed breathlessness and consulted a doctor from her neighbourhood. The doctor had then prescribed medication used for symptomatic treatment,” said a doctor from the Ruby Hall Clinic.The woman was later admitted to a private hospital in Kondhwa for breathlessness. “She was shifted to Ruby Hall Clinic on January 10. The woman had tested positive for swine flu. She succumbed to swine flu-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) with septic shock,” the doctor added.A scientist from the National Institute of Virology (NIV) said, “Swine flu is now endemic and is like any other seasonal influenza strain. We are monitoring its genetic make-up to rule out the development of extreme virulence. However, it continues to be the Michigan strain of swine flu virus, which has been in circulation since last year.”Flu peaks post monsoon and during the winter in India. “Very few people are inclined towards vaccinating themselves. Vaccinations provide protection from infections and ensures that antibodies are produced in adequate measures to fight viruses,” said senior paediatrician Sharad Agarkhedkar.

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