Along with the Summer season, there seems to be a season of flu that is on the go.
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The flu season that is usually prevalent in the monsoon and winter months in India, has made an appearance in the Summer as well this year. From the past many weeks, citizens of India at different parts of the country have been down with persevering cough and fever. Though the high temperature is going down after three days, the cough is lingering for weeks.
Influenza A subtype H3N2 virus is responsible for this sudden flu all over the country. This particular subtype brings about a greater number of hospitalizations when compared to the other subtypes.
Children below the age of 15 and adults above the age of 50 are most vulnerable to this virus.
Notice from the Indian Medical Association (IMA) –
The IMA has issued a notice warning patient to not use antibiotics in an excessive manner as this could lead to antibiotic resistance in the future.
As per the IMA, when people don’t pay heed to the commonness and dosage of the medicines, it could be dangerous. Patients with flu symptoms use antibiotics like Amoxicillin, Norfloxacin, Ciprofloxacin, Ofloxacin and Levofloxacin until they feel better or symptoms disappear. This will lead to resistance of antibiotics when they do need it in the future. Also, the association has urged physicians to solely recommend symptomatic care rather than antibiotics.
Precautions to be taken-
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has issued a list of dos and don’ts for a person that is symptomatic.
The dos include-
- Wear masks and avoid crowded places.
- Take plenty of fluids.
- Avoid touching the eyes and nose.
- Cover the mouth and nose while coughing and sneezing.
- Take paracetamol for fever and body ache.
The don’ts include-
- Do not shake hands or use other contact gatherings.
- Do not spit in public.
- Do not take medicines or other medicines without consulting a doctor.
- Eat together or sitting close together.
In general, everyone has been advised to wash their hands with soap and water.
Comparison with COVID-
Even though the symptoms ae similar to the deadly Covid-19, patients with this flu have been testing negative for the virus that causes Covid. The flu is not as dangerous as Covid-19 was when it entered the country but it is capable of causing respiratory issues.
Covid cases last saw a peak in India during the months of July and August in 2022. Since then, the cases have been at a steep decline. As of today, the fresh cases in the entire country are 283 and the 7-day average is 221.
