Hyderabad: Seasonal flu, influenza infections seen on the rise

Hyderabad: A significant increase in infections related to seasonal flu, influenza, a viral infection in Hyderabad is being reported by doctors, immunologists and public health experts. The increase in infections in the last one week could be a clear indication of an unknown infection of viral origin, which is circulating among the community in Hyderabad, they point out. There is a fear among caregivers that the current increase in viral infections in Hyderabad could be a harbinger of a significant wave of upper respiratory infections like severe pneumonia in the coming days, in which the lungs get infected. The outbreak of influenza should not surprise anyone as last year (March, 2023) Hyderabad had seen a significant increase in infections among people due to influenza A (H1N1) and another subtype A (H3N2) cases, which was later confirmed by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) surveillance data. Typically, these days, hospitals in Hyderabad are receiving patients with seasonal flu symptoms and within a few days, the infection in some patients is spreading to the upper respiratory tract and even the lower respiratory tract, infecting the lungs. There is a trend of increased consumption and prescription of the anti-viral drug oseltamivir, sold under the brand name Tamiflu, for treating patients in Hyderabad. Doctors explained that the administration of oseltamivir (Tamiflu) is an indication that some flu-positive patients, perhaps with comorbid conditions, are experiencing severe symptoms. Dr Vyakarananam Nageshwar, a senior immunologist at Hyderabad, says, “We are seeing a high incidence of infections in the last ten days in Hyderabad. Due to immunological changes in a large section of the population during the Covid pandemic, even a simple flu is now turning into upper and lower respiratory tract infections in individuals. I hope this sudden rise in infections will not lead to a major increase in pneumonia or viral infections.” Senior doctors at Fever Hospital, Nallakunta, the nodal government healthcare facility for seasonal diseases, however, said they are yet to see a major surge in viral infections. “Currently, we are seeing a few cases of seasonal flu, which is normal due to weather changes, and some sporadic cases of dengue. So far, we have not been able to see any trend that indicates cases like pneumonia flaring up on a large scale. For an average person living on the street, it is always better to take precautions to lead a healthy and active life,” says Dr K Shankar, superintendent of Fever Hospital. Doctors point out that inclement weather conditions are ideal for causing viral and bacterial infections and taking precautions is the best step.

Government advice:
If you notice flu-like symptoms, such as cough with fever, headache, sore throat and associated body ache or conjunctivitis, visit the nearest government healthcare facilities. If the fever persists for more than 3 days, consult a doctor immediately. Flu symptoms: Fever, sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, cough, wheezing and often chest congestion. Body aches, lethargy, difficulty in breathing can cause low oxygen saturation. How to prevent viral flu/ conjunctivitis etc? • Avoid shaking hands with a sick person, sharing food, water and clothes, • Wash hands frequently to avoid getting infected, also use hand sanitizers often • Keep hand contamination to a minimum, avoid touching door handles, table tops, elevator buttons, staircase banisters and railings in public places • Cover your mouth while sneezing/coughing, to prevent people around you from getting infected • Use disposable tissues when you have a cough/cold and throw them away after use • Feel free to call 108 ambulance services if you have any health emergency