A wave of H1N1 influenza illness is sweeping across all South Indian States this year and cases have been on the rise in Kerala too since January. So far (till April 28), 334 cases have been confirmed and 23 lives have been lost.
“Last year, the H1N1 case prevalence was just 1%, which means that only as many samples (throat swabs) tested from people with common respiratory illnesses were positive for H1N1. This year, the prevalence has gone up to 27%. This is the eighth year since the Influenza A H1N1 pandemic of 2009 and this virus is now part of our seasonal influenza viruses. Some cases should be expected every year,” says Amar Fettle, State Nodal Officer for H1N1.
According to him, there is no sense in going by the case numbers because the Health Department does not recommend routine testing for every case of respiratory infection. Testing is being done only as part of sentinel surveillance because initiation of treatment is not dependent on test results. Surveillance of all influenza-like illnesses and severe acute respiratory infections has been intensified across districts and the treatment protocol and guidelines have been revisited.
Alert
Respiratory illnesses are airborne and other than educating the public to be alert and to be very mindful of the cough-cold etiquette, there is very little that the authorities can do to reduce disease transmission.
People with comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, asthma, cardiovascular problems and renal issues, those with immuno compromising diseases such as cancer or HIV, pregnant women, elderly and young children are considered to be the high-risk or vulnerable group.
They need to be careful about the common cold and respiratory infection and should seek professional help if there are no signs of the illness resolving. About 60% of the deaths were of people with other comorbidities.
“Please do not ignore common cold. Stay home with plenty of fluids and supportive care. Oseltamivir is an effective antiviral against H1N1 and we would advise anyone in the high-risk group to seek doctor’s advice and start the drug immediately. Do not worry about unnecessary medication, as it is better to be safe than sorry,” Dr. Fettle says.
Oseltamivir
Oseltamivir is being provided free of cost through all public sector hospitals.
However, since it is easily available in the open market, the government is not supplying the drugs to the private sector now.
The government has directed all private sector hospitals to keep adequate stocks of Oseltamivir in their pharmacies.
Preventive vaccination against H1N1 too is available in the open market and the government is also in the process of procuring these for protecting doctors and health-care workers, who have to handle infectious patients.
In general, flu vaccination is the single best way to prevent the flu, but protection can vary widely from person to person. Flu vaccination is an important preventive tool for people with chronic health conditions and pregnant women.
And even if one does get sick, the illness might be milder.
“People in the high-risk group might be advised preventive vaccination but flu vaccination should not give one a false sense of security.
Because flu vaccines do not protect against infection and illness caused by other viruses that can also cause serious flu-like illness,” Dr. Fettle warns.
