New Delhi, March 16 While the focus of the country is on the 'epidemic' Covid-19, as many as 28 people have lost their lives in India due to swine flu this year up to March 1.
According to the Union Health Ministry data, there have been over 1,100 deaths due to swine flu in the country in 2019 and 2018.
"A total of 2,270 deaths were reported in 2017 because of the swine flu," the Health Ministry data accessed by showed.
The swine flu deaths in 2018 were 1,128 and that in 2019 were 1,218.
"A total of 28 deaths have been reported in India because of the swine flu till March 1," the Health Minister data said.
The number of cases reported of the swine flu per year in the country is also high.
While the total cases in 2017 were 38,811, it came down to 15,266 in 2018. However, the country witnessed 28,798 cases of swine flu in 2019.
Till March 1, there have been 1,469 swine flu cases in the country.
Swine flu or H1N1 or Seasonal Influenza is a seasonal infection which usually occurs every year with two peaks January to March and July to September.
Preventive measures such as covering the nose and mouth with a tissue/handkerchief while coughing or sneezing, washing hands often with soap and water is advisable to check the spread.
"Avoid crowded places; avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth; stay away from crowded places if you have cough/cold; drink plenty of water; sleep well. In case of any symptoms, the nearest public health facility may be contacted immediately," the Health Ministry advises.
India has declared H1N1 as an epidemic, while the WHO named it pandemic in 2009.
Now, while the WHO has declared the coronavirus as a pandemic, India has called it an epidemic.
There have been 114 positive cases of the coronavirus
( With inputs from IANS )