Srinagar, March 11: As India is witnessing a surge in cases of the H3N2 influenza virus, doctors in Kashmir on Saturday advised people to take precautions and not to panic in view of rise in influenza cases.
Director Health Services Kashmir, Dr Mushtaq Ahmad Rather advised people to take precautions in view of rise in influenza viruses that cause infectious disease known as flu.
“Over the past 10 to 15 days, there has been an increase in symptomatic cases of influenza and respiratory tract infections (RTIs). These influenza viruses are seasonal. There is no need to worry and people should create panic,” he said.
The director maintained that influenza happens normally but this year it has happened largely and people need to take preventive measures and precautions. He said all respiratory tract infections have similar precautionary measures.
“It is important to take extra care by following all the necessary precautions to prevent the spread of infection,” he said.
It comes at a time when the country is witnessing a surge in the cases of the H3N2 influenza virus
Dr Naveed Nazir Shah, a top pulmonologist and HOD Chest Medicine, Chest Disease Hospital Srinagar said there was absolutely nothing to worry about it as most of the patients with viral infection have much like seasonal flu.
“A good number of patients admitted with pneumonia had evidence of viral infection mostly influenza and RSV infections,” he said.
Asked whether the persons with co-morbidities need to maintain any extra caution, Dr Naveed said “We have been receiving patients, complaining of the persistent cough which continues for prolonged periods extending for weeks after the symptoms of flu settle.”
Dr Salim Khan, Professor, Head, Dept. of Community Medicine, GMC Srinagar said over the last few days, the lab reports from Influenza labs are showing increasing number of positive cases for H3N2.
“However, there is no substantial increase of hospital admission. But there is constant surveillance on the pattern of illnesses and their clinical spectrum,” he said.
Khan suggested that people should primarily avoid visiting crowded places which include markets, offices, family gatherings and in case of unavoidable situations, shall wear facemask, maintain hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette.
“Remember how we dealt during COVID-19 times; same things apply for all other respiratory illnesses including H3N2 or H1N1 (seasonal flu/ influenza),” he said.
The symptoms are predominantly high-grade fever, severe cough, headache and body aches leading to exhaustion. Though symptoms may subside in few days or up to a week, but severe cough and body aches may remain for more duration, even up to three weeks.
“Usually flu is a self-limiting illness and one recovers in a week’s time with symptomatic management of fever, cough, headache, body ache etc. Ideally, doctor’s consultation shall be sought and adhered to till full recovery. Antivirals have some role but shall be taken on doctor’s advice only,” he said.
