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Spread of flu: “Nothing unusual”, but vulnerable groups must take extra care: Expert
As influenza continued to show an upward trend across the country, vulnerable people were urged to take “extra care” to prevent getting the infection. If they do catch the flu, to rest and stay hydrated and also seek medical attention.
A special word of caution goes out to expectant mothers and the elderly who are immuno-compromised from Consultant Medical Virologist Dr Jude Jayamaha of the Department of Virology, Medical Research Institute (MRI).
Comparing two women, one who is expecting a baby and the other who is not, he says that the pregnant woman has a 15-18% higher risk of getting complications such as pneumonia due to influenza.
He reiterates that even though those days cardiac disease was the leading cause of death among expectant women, now there has been a change. It has now been established as respiratory infections.
Focusing on other immuno-compromised groups, he says the elderly and those such as cancer or transplant patients on immuno-suppressants also need to take maximum precautions against influenza. If, however, they do go down with the flu, then rest and adequate hydration are essential and seeing the doctor.
“If you have fever, cough and cold for more than a day and if you are in the vulnerable category, seek medical help,” says Dr Jayamaha, citing the 14 recent suspected deaths from influenza as being among the elderly and also those affected by heart disease and lung diseases such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
He cautions that as some who are immuno-compromised do not get fever, they need to be very alert.
“Nothing unusual,” is how Dr Jayamaha describes the spread of influenza, pointing out that it happens during the monsoon. Whether it is an “outbreak”, it is too early in the flu season to determine. This round of the flu is being caused by Influenza A, sub-type H3N2. In 2013, 2015, 2017 and 2018, outbreaks were caused by sub-type H1N1 of Influenza A.
Is it deadly? He says that H3N2 could cause severe disease and that is why people need to see a doctor without going about their work not taking into account that they are ill. Rest and hydration are important and not rushing back to the usual non-stop housework etc. If there is any indication that it is difficult to perform routine activity such as going to the toilet or climbing the stairs, it should be taken as a danger signal.
Another important pointer from Dr Jayamaha is that not only influenza but also dengue is doing the rounds and both could have similar symptoms in the early stages.
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