“A sudden increase in the number of patients with symptoms of cough, nausea, vomiting, sore throat, body aches and diarrhea in some cases,” the IMA wrote on Twitter.
“Although the fever subsides after three days, the cough can persist for three weeks,” he added, advising doctors to avoid prescribing antibiotics for such patients.
Influenza A subtype H3N2 explodes in India
In addition, the IMA said that cases are usually seen in people over the age of 50 and under the age of 15. Some also report upper respiratory tract infection along with fever. “Air pollution” is also a trigger.
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He advised doctors to only give symptomatic treatment, as there is no need for antibiotics.
The IMA noted that people have started taking antibiotics like Athreycin and Amoxiclav etc. without worrying about dosage and frequency and stop once they start to feel better. They added that “this must be stopped as it leads to antibiotic resistance.”
“Wherever there is actual use of antibiotics, they will not work due to resistance,” the IMA wrote.
The medical association advised avoiding crowded places, practicing good hand and respiratory hygiene practices, as well as vaccinating against the flu.
Harshal R. Salve, a professor at the Center for Community Medicine, AIIMS, said the increased transmission of the influenza virus is due to the “abrupt climatic conditions currently prevailing.”
“Serological surveillance through the mechanisms established in the public health system by the government is essential to determine the serotype of the virus and its endemia,” Salve told IANS.
Doctors at Primus Hospital, Chanakyapuri, noted that asthma patients and those with severe lung infections have difficulty breathing.
The elderly, children and pregnant women are the most vulnerable to becoming infected. Therefore, they need to be very cautious while venturing outside, the doctors said.
Source: IANS
