ICMR issues health advisory as flu cases with severe symptoms rise

The ICMR said that the Influenza A subtype H3N2 virus is causing the illness which has strong symptoms and persists even after the patient has recovered.

Apart from fever and upper respiratory tract infection, the reported symptoms also include cough, nausea, vomiting, sore throat, body ache and diarrhoea.

This virus is also responsible for more hospitalisations than other types of influenza subtypes, according to experts.

In its advisory, the Central health body has suggested a list of dos and don’ts to keep the infection at bay.

Regularly wash your hands with water and soap and wear face masks and avoid crowded areas.

It is best to not touch your nose and mouth and cover your nose and mouth properly while coughing and sneezing.

Stay hydrated and consume plenty of fluids, ICMR said, adding that one should take paracetamol in case of fever and body aches.

In order to avoid getting the infection, ICMR said people should avoid shaking hands and other types of greeting customs that require body contact. Spitting in public should be stopped as this spreads the infection.

While taking paracetamol tablets has been suggested for treating fever, antibiotics and other medicines should only be taken after consulting a doctor, the health body said.

It also asked people to not eat in crowded places and in close proximity to others.

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has advised physicians to refrain from prescribing antibiotics to patients until they have confirmed that the infection is bacterial to avoid creating antibiotic resistance. The majority of fever, cough, sore throat, and body ache cases are presently attributed to influenza, which does not require antibiotics for treatment.

It advised the people to maintain good hand and respiratory hygiene. The infection typically lasts for one week, while coughing may persist for a more extended period.