Influenza Expected To Surge Further, Caution Doctors

Hyderabad: The influenza virus has caused several viral infections, with seasonal flu becoming the major issue. Many doctors have opined that influenza is at its peak with type of Influenza A – H1N1, Influenza B – Victoria, followed by RSV – common respiratory viruses, affecting a majority of patients.

Doctors said 96 per cent of the cases they were seeing were of viral fever, followed by dengue at four per cent and malaria at one per cent.

In light of the upcoming festivals and elections, which would see large assemblies of people, health department officials advised wearing masks, following hand hygiene, covering mouth and nose while those infected should avoid crowds.

Dr Kiran Madhala, member of TS-IMA scientific committee, told Deccan Chronicle, “As per ICMR statistics, there was a rise in viral fevers like influenza and swine flu in September, a trend that is continuing into October. We can expect the surge to continue for 2-3 weeks.”

He explained that influenza strains had changed over the last two years, such as 5a.2a.1 in H1N1 and 2b in H3N2, while v1A3a.2 was continuing in Victoria. These  could be the reason for the influenza wave.

Doctors also stressed that the incubation period of the virus was only 1-2 days and the transmission was largely due to respiratory droplets.  

“Delayed recovery period of more than two weeks, persistent cough and weakness are the major concerns among the affected. In addition to this, post-viral infection in the form of pneumonia has also been observed in some cases”, added Dr Madhala.

Dr Dilip Gude, senior consultant physician at a private hospital, said that around 10-15 cases of flu were being reported with common symptoms of cough, cold, fever, joint pain and headache every day.

Official data from the health department recorded four cases of H1N1 in August, 11 in September and seven in October till now.

An official from the health department told Deccan Chronicle, “The influenza is a seasonal flu and hence the surge in cases. But there is no need to panic”.

In light of the upcoming festivals and elections, which would see large assemblies of people, health department officials advised wearing masks, following hand hygiene, covering mouth and nose while those infected should avoid crowds.