Hyderabad: The dip in temperatures is allowing the swine flu virus to stay in the atmosphere for a longer period of time, leading to more people getting affected. But it still is a seasonal virus, and not a pandemic.

Senior chest physician Dr Subhakar K. said, “In the recent death cases, we have found that the patients had not come to the hospital on time. If a flu does not subside within 48 hours or worsens, patients must go to a pulmonologist and get it tested. With the climate getting colder, the virus is going to be around for a longer period of time and for that reason, persisting flu symptoms of cough, cold, running nose and high fever must not be taken lightly.”

Read: Swine flu kills 3 in Hyderabad

There have been eight swine flu deaths in Telangana this year and five in Andhra Pradesh. The most vulnerable groups are people who have hypertension, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, transplant patients, cancer patients and also pregnant women.

Those who are in the post-partum stage are also very vulnerable. Senior citizens and children too are categorised as vulnerable if suffering from any disease.

Dr Narsimulu K., professor of internal medicine at Gandhi Hospital, said, “In this season, people with flu symptoms must not go to public gatherings as they facilitate the spread of the virus. They must wear masks. If they cough, they must have a handkerchief to cover their mouth. When a person uses his/her hand to cover the mouth while coughing, the virus gets transferred to the hand. When the person touches other objects, the virus is passed on. Frequent hand washing is therefore advised.”

Building immunity is important through fresh fruits and balanced diet and also by drinking plenty of water, sleeping on time and also eating on time.