Amid the humid and changing weather conditions, the district has reported nearly 30 cases of H1N1. Commonly known as swine flu, H1N1 is a seasonal influenza virus that moves mainly through tiny drops of water in the air when a sick person coughs, sneezes or talks.According to sources, the district has reported nearly 30 positive patients of swine flu this year so far with the maximum of 20 being reported in this month itself.The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has confirmed that there was no new strain of H1N1 and the influenza strains currently circulating are well matched with the vaccine strains recommended for the Northern Hemisphere.The Dayanand Medical College and Hospital (DMCH) is daily receiving many cases of influenza-like illness (ILI) and many of the patients have been admitted to the hospital as well.Dr Rajesh Mahajan, professor and head of general medicine at the DMCH, said patients especially the elderly, children, pregnant women and those with pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or lung disease should report to a doctor without delay if they notice difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath, persistent high fever (above 102°F) and not responding to medication, chest pain or pressure, bluish discoloration of lips or face, severe drowsiness, confusion or dizziness, persistent vomiting or inability to keep fluids down.Civil Surgeon Ramandeep Kaur said people should avoid going to crowded places and wear masks whenever going out. Swine flu was a droplet infection and could spread from one person to another.Patients of swine flu are divided into three types. In the first category, there are patients who complain of fever, cough and throat infection, mild diarrhoea and headache. Such patients do not need anti-viral therapy and flu testing. They are suggested to remain at home with isolation/stay separate in the house so that other family members can not get infected. Medicines are given according to symptoms.In the second category, there are patients who are children, pregnant women, people over 65, patients with heart, lungs, acne, kidney, liver-related illnesses, AIDS patients or those who are taking steroids. Such patients require anti-viral medicine but flu testing is not needed. Home isolation and therapy should be done.In the third category, there are patients with symptoms of first and second categories and one or more of the following symptoms – breathlessness, pain in chest, dizziness, fall in BP, bleeding in mucus, etc. Such patients should take flu medicines, go for flu testing also and they should be admitted to a hospital immediately.