Are you down with diarrhoea or stomach ache? Beware, you may be suffering from Swine Flu

The Swine Flu (H1N1) patients now a days in Maharashtra are largely showing symptoms of diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting and stomach pain.

Earlier, patients inflicted with H1N1 had flu symptoms of cold, fever and throat irritation.

An H1N1 influenza virus, primarily known to attack the upper respiratory system, have shown gastrointestinal symptoms this year.

The stark observation made by doctors has made the state health department to alert the medical fraternity to look out for the new unlikely signs.

“More than 20% of H1N1 cases have come to us with severe gastrointestinal complaints. Diarrhoea was a common complaint by most of these patients. When they were tested later on, they turned out to be positive for swine flu,” Dr Satish Pawar, head of directorate of health services (DHS), Maharashtra, was quoted as saying by TOI.

“Even if patients come with only gastro problems, we have suggested doctors to check their throat.”

This year, H1N1 has killed 127 people in the state till April, a 400% jump than the previous year.

The medical practitioners are suggesting people to go for vaccination as a tool for prevention.

Source: Media reports