Surge in Influenza cases alerts Center to come out with an advisory

In the last two three months state after state in India have reported high number of influenza cases, which have symptoms that includes persistent cough and is sometimes accompanied by fever. Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has stated that cases of fever and flu are due to influenza A subtype H3N2.

Several states report a high number of Influenza cases

Anticipating high cases of influenza , the Centre has issued an advisory which has suggested a list of dos and don’t’s for people to follow to protect themselves from contracting the flu , which has Covid like symptoms.

Also Read: Covid-19: Stand-up comedian brutally trolled for joking about pandemic

Information about Influenza cases

• ICMR scientists have stated that H3N2 has caused more hospitalization during than other sub types in the last two – three months
• IMA advises against the indiscriminate usage of antibiotics and has stated that fever caused by it goes in two – three days , but cough persists for up to three weeks
• IMA has also advised doctors to prescribe only symptomatic treatment and not antibiotics

"Right now, people start taking antibiotics like Azithromycin and Amoxiclav etc, that too without caring for done and frequency and stop it once start feeling better. This needs to be stopped as it leads to antibiotic resistance. Whenever there will be a real use of antibiotics, they will not work due to the resistance,"

• IMCR statement also stated

"It is necessary to diagnose whether the infection is bacterial or not before prescribing antibiotics." The most misused antibiotics are Amoxicillin, Norfloxacin, Oprofloxacin, Ofloxacin, and Levofloxacin. These are being used for the treatment of diarrhoea and UTI, IMA said.

• IMA has also stated that viral cases mostly occur in people aged below 15 and cause upper respiratory infections along with fever.
• Do’s and Donts issued by IMCR for people to protect themselves against infection

Do’s

Regularly washing hands with soap and water

Wearing face masks

Avoiding crowded areas and staying hydrated

Consuming plenty of fluids

Take paracetamol, in case of fever and body ache

Don’t

Not shaking hands

Using other contact based greetings and not to self-medicate

Also Read: Covid-19: Stand-up comedian brutally trolled for joking about pandemic

Keep watching our YouTube Channel ‘DNP INDIA’. Also, please subscribe and follow us on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, and TWITTER