Flu cases with Covid-like symptoms rise in India, Centre issues advisory: Top points
First Published: 5th March, 2023 10:27 IST
The flu due to Influenza A subtype H3N2, which has been in wide circulation for the past two-three months, causes more hospitalisations than other subtypes
As several parts of India grapple with persistent cough, sometimes accompanied by fever, the Centre has issued an advisory. The advisory suggests a list of dos and don’ts for people to follow to protect themselves from contracting the flu, which has Covid-like symptoms.
The flu due to Influenza A subtype H3N2, which has been in wide circulation for the past two-three months, causes more hospitalisations than other subtypes.
Here’s what we know about the rise in flu cases:
- The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said the rise in flu cases is due to the Influenza A subtype H3N2 virus. The H3N2, which has been in wide circulation for the past two to three months, causes more hospitalisations than other subtypes, it said.
- The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has said the fever goes away at the end of three days, but the cough can persist for up to three weeks. It has advised against the indiscriminate use of 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,” the IMA said in a statement.
- The viral cases mostly occur in people aged below 15 and above 50 and cause upper respiratory infections along with fever, the IMA said. The association also asked doctors to prescribe only symptomatic treatment and not 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.
- The ICMR has issued dos and don’ts to protect oneself from the infection. The dos include regularly washing hands with soap and water, wearing face masks, and avoiding crowded areas. In cases of fever and bodyache, the ICMR has advised the use of paracetamol.
- The dont’s include not to shake hands or use other contact-based greetings, not to self-medicate. The ICMR has said antibiotics and other medicines should only be taken after consulting a doctor.
Credit: India Today
COMMENTS
TOPMOST STORY NOW
Live NPF to lead in all 13 constituencies of Outer Manipur with huge margin: Party MLA Achumbemo Kikon
26th April 2024Live Lok Sabha Polls Phase 2: BJP’s Darrang-Udalguri candidate Dilip Saikia casts his vote
26th April 2024Live Lok Sabha Polls Phase 2: AIUDF’s Nagaon candidate Aminul Islam casts his votes
26th April 2024Live 94-year-old woman casts her vote in Ukhrul Outer Manipur
26th April 2024WE RECOMMEND
8-hour intermittent fasting each day increases risk of cardiovascular death: Study
The researchers, led by Victor Zhong of the Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, analyzed data from adults included in the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
19th March 2024Boost your health with these nutritious foods that are high in Vitamin D
Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in supporting overall health. While sunlight is the primary source of vitamin D, you can also boost your levels by consuming certain foods. But, vitamin D requirements vary depending on factors such as age and individual health conditions. It’s always a good idea to […]
18th July 2023International Yoga Day 2023: All you need to know about this day
This year the theme of Yoga Day is 'Yoga For Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' i.e. Yoga for the welfare of all in the form of 'One World-One Family'.
19th June 2023Google Lens can now identify skin condition and also help with homework
Apart from being able to identify things like clothes and landmarks, Google Lens can also help you with your homework and translate menus and boards on the go. Here are some simple tips and tricks that will help you make the most out of it. Google Lens is often used by people to identify or […]
15th June 2023Are you a mosquito magnet? It could be your soap
Lathering with soap could be one of the reasons you become more attractive to mosquitoes
13th June 2023