Ahmedabad: Most H1N1 fatalities are in the 41 to 55 age group

A data analysis of positive swine flu cases has revealed that people between the age group of 41 to 55 years are most vulnerable to the H1N1 virus, and fatality among the afflicted is 38%. The number of swine flu cases has risen to 1,178 in the city since January and there have been 23 deaths so far.

According to the collected data, the number of afflicted people aged 56 and above is 425; between the age of 41 and 55 years 293. The lowest number of patients is in the age group of 6 to 15 years — 39 cases.

At least 56% of deaths was reported in the age group of 41 to 55 years. No death has been reported in the age group of 0 to 15 years.

In charge medical officer Dr Bhavin Solanki said, "Most of the positive cases have been reported in the age group of 56 and above. And most fatalities have been reported in the age group of 41 to 55 years," said Dr Solanki.

He informed that most of the affected people are a mobile population. "Children, the elderly and pregnant women must be extra careful. They need to cover themselves well in case of cold, cough and fever; they should stay indoors," said the health officer.

He also said that the fatal cases were co-morbid. "This means the patients were suffering from other diseases like diabetes, hypertension, or some other problems," he added.

Dr Solanki said that there is a possibility that the younger population has developed herd immunity for the H1N1 virus.

50 MORE CASES

Fifty swine flu cases were reported in the state on Tuesday, while one patient died, the state health department said. Eighteen of the cases came to light in Ahmedabad city, eight in Surat city, and four each in Vadodara city and Banaskantha. The health department said that since January 1, 2019, 3,439 swine flu patients have recovered, while 461 patients are undergoing treatment.