IMA doctors advise masks, flu shots as protection from fast-spreading influenza

Hyderabad: Whether it is raining or not, this year influenza or the flu virus seems to be very active and rampant in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Doctors from various hospitals are seeing hundreds of new cases daily.

In fact, with the positivity rate jumping to 10 per cent in early August from 5 per cent in earlier months, the fear of the flu virus has gripped the public and has surpassed the concern over Coronavirus.

Covid has reported a two per cent increase in cases and a 17 per cent decrease in deaths recently.

With the flu being caused by the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), which affects the lungs and respiratory tracts, many children and the elderly required hospitalization this season.

What is worrisome is that medical experts point out that this is just the beginning of the influenza wave and cases will spiral once the rains gain momentum after a lull for almost a month.

Increased positivity of influenza virus

Dr Kiran Madhala, professor and anaesthesiologist at Nizamabad Government Hospital and a member of IMA Telangana, said, “As per the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) weekly data, out of every 100 positive flu-like cases, 70 per cent are those of influenza, 10 per cent are unnotified, 5 per cent are those of Covid and nearly 15 per cent are RSV.”

“In fact, the incidence of RSV in the last three years was around one or two per cent. But now it is over 14 per cent. Every seventh positive case is an RSV case. From the last two weeks, there are also been increased cases of interstitial-viral pneumonia with moderate to severe respiratory distress in children especially those less than five years of age and requiring respiratory support. Though influenza is not life-threatening, it can be fatal for pregnant women,” the doctor added.

Speaking about the rampant spread of influenza in Hyderabad and Telangana, general physician, Senior Physician Dr Bapu Reddy, who himself had contracted the influenza virus recently, said, “The influenza H3N2 virus has taken an epidemic form in Hyderabad and Telangana. I am one of the victims. It has produced severe tracheobronchitis, an intractable cough and severe weakness for the last few days. All senior citizens above 70 years should have influenza vaccination.”

The dangers of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

Talking about RSV, Dr Kiran said, “Children below five years and the elderly above 65 years, pregnant women and co-morbid patients are more at risk due to their low immunity. Annually, around three crore RSV cases occur in India. Every tenth case requires a hospital admission.”

“Around 60,000 patients die of RSV every year. There is also no guarantee for lifelong immunity if one gets RSV and the disease can recur in future. A vaccine is yet to be developed for this respiratory ailment and research is on,” the doctor said.

Symptoms of RSV

The symptoms of RSV include low-grade fever, nasal congestion or runny nose, headache, sore throat and very severe cough after three to four days because the virus affects the lungs and the respiratory tracts.

Even after recovery, patients experience severe fatigue and weakness for almost two weeks. In some cases, respiratory support and ICU care are needed. The mortality rate is at 0.2 per cent which is around two deaths every 1,000 cases.

Flu shots advised

Dr Sharmila Pendyala, consultant paediatrician from Apollo Hospital, Jubilee Hills, advised flu shots for children as a protective measure with many cases of influenza, RSV, metapneumo, and adenovirus surfacing.

However, as per WHO prophylaxis norms for countries in the northern hemisphere, the flu vaccine needs to be repeated every six months. With mutation in the viruses, the same vaccine may not work the next year. But still, it is recommended as vaccine shots will reduce risks of hospitalisation and mortality even if it may not safeguard against the virus 100 per cent, point out doctors.

Precautionary measures

In order to safeguard against the influenza and RSV viruses, doctors advise wearing masks in public places.

“Apart from wearing masks in crowded places, hand hygiene (washing the hands with soap from time to time, especially after coming home from outside) will protect against a lot of viruses and other pathogens. Boosting immunity by eating vitamin C-enriched foods like citrus fruits and taking vitamin C supplements are important. If one experiences mild symptoms of flu, they should gargle with warm salt water or betadine solution and inhale steam to recover faster,” said the doctor.