Ernakulam witnesses spike in influenza cases
Over 250 influenza cases had been reported over the past month, according to data provided by the Department of Health. Two students of Union Christian College, Aluva, tested positive for H1N1 influenza as of Friday (July 18). The college authorities said necessary control measures had been initiated on the instructions of the Health authorities.
A total of 194 influenza cases were reported in the district between July 1 and July 17. On July 8, as many as 31 cases were recorded. A 12-year-old girl from Ayyapmpuzha had succumbed to fever on July 8, though the authorities are yet to confirm the exact reason for the death. On July 15, 32 influenza cases were reported in Ernakulam. The common strains of the influenza virus seen included H1N1, H3N2, and Influenza B.
Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan, convenor of the research cell of the Indian Medical Association (IMA), Kerala, said that influenza is caused by several viruses, which circulate seasonally.
'In Kerala, the monsoon season brings two factors together. First, people crowd indoors and also travel in vehicles with windows closed due to rain. This allows respiratory viruses to spread easily. Secondly, the humid weather allows the virus to stay alive longer in the air, that is, without the tiny cough droplets drying out,' he said.
He added that wearing masks in crowded indoor spaces and avoiding social visits at hospitals are two easy ways to reduce risk. 'The flu vaccine protects from severe disease. In addition, unlike COVID-19, there are effective antiviral agents available which reduce the severity of the disease if the diagnosis is made early,' he said.
Some of the main symptoms include cough, tiredness, fever, runny nose, body aches, sore throat, breathlessness, and wheezing. Doctors usually advise patients to stay hydrated and to cover their mouths while coughing and sneezing. However, elderly persons with co-morbidities must take extra care.
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