The Influenza A (H1N1) virus has turned out to be a dominant strain in the recent upsurge in influenza cases this season, Subhash Chandra Parija, Director, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medicine and Research (Jipmer), said on Thursday.
“During outbreaks usually only one of the strains of the influenza virus predominates, this year it is Influenza A (H1N1),” Dr. Parija, a microbiology specialist, told The Hindu .
While an increase in influenza cases is normal during winter, factors such as the persistent cold climate and crowding inside rooms are contributing to the spread of influenza virus.
How does it present?
According to Dr. Parija, an infection with the influenza virus usually presents with fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, difficulty in breathing, bodyache, headache, fatigue, chills, diarrhoea, vomiting, and blood in sputum.
While most patients with flu symptoms (mild fever and cough or sore throat), some precautions are in place for both patient and the treating physician, Dr. Parija said.
In cases of mild flu symptoms (low fever, slight cough), it is recommended that the patient limits contact with others as much as possible to prevent transmitting infection to others. Not every patient with symptoms of flu needs testing or specific treatments such as antiviral drug Oseltamivir.
Paracetamol for fever, intake of plenty of fluids, nutritious food, and rest at home for at least 24 hours even after fever subsides is recommended. So too is the practice of washing hands often with soap and water and cover the nose and mouth during a sneeze bout.
It is important to monitor illness and get oneself checked after 24 hours to 48 hours by a doctor and to seek immediate medical attention in case of high fever and severe cough.
According to Dr. Parija, some people are at high risk of developing serious flu-related complications (such as pneumonia) if they get sick. The high risk categories include pregnant women, children, people aged above 65, heath care workers, caregivers of a flu patient and so on.
“If you belong to any of the above high risk groups and come down with symptoms of flu, it is important to seek early medical care: although you may not be tested, you would require some specific medicines (Oseltamivir) as soon as you develop symptoms (within 24-48 hours),” he said.
