FLU Cases in India
Present circumstances:
- The Center last week assessed the rise in influenza cases, and states have been preparing hospitals for a likely rise in infections.
- According to the Union Health Ministry, the H3N2 subtype of the flu virus has been connected to one confirmed death each in Haryana and Karnataka this month. At least nine flu-related fatalities were reported in January, according to data from the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme.
Why are there currently more flu cases?
- Up to March 9 of this year, there were 3,038 laboratory-confirmed cases of the flu nationwide, according to the Ministry’s most recent data.
- Although this is not an unusually high amount, the actual number is probably lower because not everyone gets tested for the flu and not all test results are reported to the government.
- Authorities and experts asserted that the current rise is partially attributable to the current flu season. India normally experiences two flu peaks each year, between January and March and between August and October after the monsoon.
- The virus spreads as the seasons change. There has also been an increase in the prevalence of the flu and other respiratory infections including adenovirus and Covid-19.
- Second, because there haven’t been as many flu illnesses throughout the pandemic, a sizeable pool of people with weakened immunity has grown.
- Every year, subclinical influenza transmission occurs, and some immunity to it is built up in humans. Yet, during the epidemic, people covered up, stayed away from crowds, and skipped gatherings, which stopped the spread of the disease. As a result, there is an increase this year, and finally, the influenza virus is likely to alter shape.
- This suggests that we normally see an increase in flu cases every other year.
- Fourth, the burden of diseases like diabetes and heart disease, which are risk factors for major illnesses, is substantial, especially among young people in India. In government organisations, access to and adoption of the annual flu shot are limited.
- Researchers claim that although there seems to be a growth advantage because it is displacing formerly dominant kinds, it is unclear if this will result in an increase in cases or more serious ones. Hospitals continue to report cases of Covid-19 that include fever and upper respiratory symptoms similar to those of the flu.
Has this led to an increase in Covid-19 instances?
- Several Covid-19 cases have been reported during the last two weeks. In spite of this, the baseline is low; according to official data, weekly new cases increased from 2,082 on March 8 to 3,264 on March 15.
- Only 10% of hospitalised patients in Delhi with respiratory symptoms had H3N2 flu. 15% more individuals actually have Covid-19.
- According to authorities, New Covid infections have increased in Gujarat and the southern regions over the past few weeks.
- The Center has written to six states.
- Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Kerala, Karnataka, Gujarat, and Maharashtra were asked to conduct sufficient and proactive testing, keep an eye out for new and emerging infection clusters, monitor the entry of ILI into healthcare facilities, send samples from international travellers, sentinel sites, and clusters for genomic sequencing, and more.
Does the flu frequently cause fatalities?
- It’s not, in fact. Similar to Covid, it usually has minor symptoms like fever, coughing, and runny nose, but it can also have catastrophic side effects like pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
- Very young children, the elderly, those with comorbid illnesses like heart disease, diabetes, and kidney disease, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems, such those who have undergone organ transplants, all have an elevated risk of contracting a serious illness.
Is the influenza subtype H3N2 new?
- Actually, it’s a strain of the influenza virus that is known to cause seasonal infections, much like the H1N1 pandemic variation from 2009 that has since stayed in circulation. Indeed, the 1968 flu pandemic was brought on by H3N2. When the sub-type was discovered in India in 1996, outbreaks have also been connected to it. During the August–September 2021 surge, it was the second most often discovered virus in respiratory samples, with the Victoria sub-type being the most frequent. This year, the disease appears to be a little more severe than we often see with H3N2. This is the key difference. The following are the two main influenza virus subtypes: Whereas Victoria and Yamagata are the two influenza B lineages, H1N1 and H3N2 are subtypes of influenza type A. Usually, influenza A is associated with more severe disease and mortality.
Why is the influenza vaccination updated every year?
- Depending on the subtypes that are currently prevalent, the World Health Organization updates the list of subtypes to be included in the yearly flu shot twice a year.
- The respiratory samples from sentinel sites are tested by the ICMR network of viral laboratories throughout the year to track the peaks and troughs in flu cases, but more importantly to track the subtypes that are currently circulating. The continuing development of influenza viruses necessitates regular vaccine updating.
- It is conceivable for it to go through a process known as “antigenic drift,” in which it picks up mutations that change the part of the organism that causes an immune response. The Covid-19 counterpart would be the spike protein, which has likewise changed but not significantly enough to render a vaccine using the original virus worthless.
What actions ought to be made to stop infections?
- As others inhale infected droplets produced by sufferers during coughing or sneezing, influenza is disseminated. The droplets can stay on surfaces and spread if someone touches the surface and then touches their eyes, nose, or mouth. to a. It is advised to stay at home and drink plenty of fluids when ill.
- Masks should be used in crowded settings to stop the spread of infection.
- Along with regularly releasing cautions, the government should also take proactive steps to inform the public about virus spread.
