It seems like everyone and their moms have been under the weather lately. India seems to be witnessing a nasty flu attack. Patients complain of high-grade fever and persistent cough lasting about two weeks.
According to reports from several cities, especially the nation’s capital, the flu is aggressive and lingering, causing severe traffic jams.
The Reason Behind the Recent Flu Season
Experts say that the H3N2 variant of the Influenza A virus is the cause of this terrible flu season. The latest data from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) shows that H3N2 has been spreading widely for the past two to three months.
Symptoms you should watch out for
With the behavior of the virus, it may be helpful to look out for certain symptoms, such as high fever for two to three days, body and headache, throat irritation, and a persistent cough that lasts for two weeks.
Hospitals in the capital have also reported a 90% increase in patients over the past few weeks. Doctors have observed that severe lung allergies such as fever, cold and cough, bronchitis caused by the virus are mainly observed in patients who go to the hospital.
Climate can cause Flu
Increased transmission of the influenza virus is associated with current climate conditions. Along with changing weather, pollution is also important in increasing the number of patients affected by viral infections.
Who is susceptible to this virus?
Doctors believe that the elderly, children and pregnant women are more prone to infection.
The increase in the number of patients complaining of viral infections and chest congestion reflects how the seasonal change seriously affects people’s health. Therefore, asthma patients and those with severe lung infections have difficulty breathing.
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Patients with chronic diseases such as asthma should be very careful during such air passages, as it can cause severe breathing problems and asthma attacks. During this time, even a small breathing problem should be reported to a pulmonologist or doctor to reduce the risk of exacerbation.
How should you protect yourself?
According to experts, everyone should be more careful when going out. Doctors also suggest getting a flu shot, practicing hand hygiene and staying hydrated to fight the virus. Some have even suggested serological surveillance.
Serological surveillance by the government through established systems in the public health system is crucial to determine the serotype and endemicity of the virus.
Reference:
- Influenza (avian and other zoonosis) – (https:www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/influenza-(avian-and-other-zoonotic)
Source: Medium
