Spurt in influenza cases in Tamil Nadu

Chennai: While the incidence of dengue is on a rise in the state, influenza cases have also spiked taking the total number of cases of influenza in Tamil Nadu to 529 and deaths to eight till October 21 this year as per the recent data released by the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme of National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

More than 450 cases and six deaths were recorded due to influenza in last three months in Tamil Nadu. Though state health department denies any outbreak, the officials admitted that cases are rising at a fast pace due to recent rains.

The state recorded 3,315 cases and 17 deaths in 2017 after a spurt in cases of influenza amidst the dengue outbreak between August-October. With a large number of patients put under intensive care due to the disease recently, the need of the hour is to strengthen surveillance programmes, vaccination and medication availability.

“Tirunelveli, Trichy, Theni, Cuddalore, Coimbatore and Vellore are witnessing more number of cases of influenza and flu. However, the health department is taking steps to arrest the situation with better surveillance programme but influenza can be prevented if hygiene like washing hands and keeping surroundings clean is observed,” said public health director, Dr K Kolandaisamy.

“We have adequate medicines in stock to treat the disease and cases of swine flu are also being monitored by the department,” said Kolandaisamy.

Medicos stress on self-care and prevention of influenza stating the significance of personal hygiene and cleanliness.

“The consumption of adequate amount of fluids like ORS, boiled water and juices can help replenish water and nutrients in the body. Influenza can develop respiratory complications with symptoms such as cough, fever and shivering, therefore, primary symptoms should be identified and treatment must be given,” said Dr S Srinivasan, pediatrician, Institute of Child Health.

Flu-trackers predicted high incidence of flu in India in 2018

As per a report released earlier this year, flu-trackers predicted a high incidence of seasonal flu in India in 2018 based on outbreak trends in winters of Southern Hemisphere after Australia reported a record high incidence of flu.

The predictions  suggested a rise in  incidence of flu in Northern Hemisphere, including India. WHO records say that seasonal influenza-related respiratory diseases kill up to 6.46 lakh patients annually.