Cough, Cold, Or Something Worse? Why You Shouldn't Ignore Monsoon Flu Symptoms
Monsoon offers a breeding ground for the spread of viruses and bacteria. What looks like a common cold or viral fever might actually indicate something deeper.
As the monsoon clouds roll in and bring a welcome respite from the heat, there's another problem that creeps up alongside – one filled with the heightened risk of infections. While many of us dismiss the flu during the rainy months as just a product of the weather change, this approach can be dangerous. The monsoon season in India is a breeding ground for numerous infections, and flu is one of the most commonly misinterpreted illnesses. What starts as a mild cold or fever is often treated with over-the-counter remedies, including antibiotics, which can actually worsen the problem.
The onset of monsoon is accompanied by high humidity and pathogens, all of which create the perfect storm for the spread of viruses and bacteria. People often confuse flu-like symptoms with a common cold or the seasonal bug. This delay in recognising the illness can lead to more severe complications.
Dr. Mahua Das Gupta, Director of Medical Affairs (Infectious Diseases) at HaystackAnalytics, says, 'Infections caused by respiratory viruses such as Influenza A (H1N1), H3N2, SARS-CoV2 and RSV can be severe, especially for those with compromised immune systems or pre-existing conditions like asthma, diabetes, and heart disease."
The Risk of Misdiagnosis: Self-Treatment and Antibiotic Resistance
In the rush to feel better, many people opt for self-medication, often reaching for antibiotics at the first sign of fever or cold. Dr Gupta says, 'This overuse of antibiotics has contributed to a growing problem – antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The WHO identifies AMR as one of the top ten global health threats, with an estimated 5 million deaths annually attributed to drug-resistant infections."
'The overuse of antibiotics accelerates the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, making future infections more difficult to treat. More dangerously, the symptoms can escalate into complications like pneumonia or even organ failure, requiring hospitalizations that could have been avoided with earlier, more accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment," adds Dr Gupta.
Early Diagnostics: The Key to Preventing Serious Illnesses
The good news is that early diagnostic tools can help prevent the flu from escalating into more severe conditions. Dr Gupta says, 'Advanced technologies, like Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), enable clinicians to identify pathogens at the genomic level with speed and accuracy that surpass traditional methods. NGS can detect the specific virus or bacteria causing the infection, even those that are difficult to culture or detect, using older diagnostic methods."
NGS can detect a wide range of pathogens in a single test, including bacterial, fungal, and viral agents responsible for respiratory infections, and even reveal the antimicrobial resistance profiles of these pathogens. With a turnaround time as quick as 24 hours, this technology empowers clinicians to initiate the most effective treatment without delay.
How Genomics Can Help with Flu Diagnosis
NGS-based diagnostic tests can help physicians move beyond broad-spectrum antibiotics and make data-driven treatment decisions. These tests provide a clear picture of which pathogens are involved, whether viral, bacterial, or fungal, allowing for targeted treatment.
Dr Gupta explains, 'By providing a comprehensive pathogen profile, genomic tests also enable doctors to understand the exact nature of a patient's infection. Instead of relying on trial-and-error, doctors can make informed decisions about whether to prescribe antiviral medications, manage symptoms, or employ more aggressive treatments."
A Call for Vigilance: The Role of Preventive Care
As the monsoon season approaches, it's crucial to stay vigilant about flu and other infections. Flu-like symptoms during this time shouldn't be dismissed as just the weather. Early intervention with proper diagnostics can prevent complications, reduce unnecessary antibiotic use, and combat antimicrobial resistance.
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