Latest news with #InfluenzaA
ABC News
24-07-2025
- Health
- ABC News
Influenza B is hitting Australian children hard this flu season as vaccination uptake slows
After missing her flu vaccine for just one year Millie Campbell was fighting for her life. The then-eight-year-old contracted Influenza B in 2019 and, what started with aches and pains in her legs, led to multiple organ failure. "They had to drain 200 millilitres of fluid from her heart — it was struggling," her mother Stephanie Campbell said. "I think the doctor's words were 'your daughter could die tonight'." Millie was taken by rescue helicopter from Newcastle to Westmead Children's Hospital in Sydney but soon after arriving she went into cardiac arrest. "It was very, very surreal, it actually felt like at the time it wasn't happening," Millie's dad, Ian Campbell, said. "There was no indication she was going to survive," Ms Campbell said. When the doctors told Millie's parents the underlying cause of her illness was Influenza B they were shocked. "We were blissfully ignorant to the fact it can be a killer," Mr Campbell said. "People always think, 'Oh it won't happen to our kids'." Millie was fit, healthy and had no pre-existing conditions but had to spend weeks in intensive care and six months in hospital. She had to learn to walk again and eventually had to have her left foot up to her ankle amputated because of peripheral circulation damage from being on life support for so long. "Millie's recovery will be a lifelong journey … and seeing how severe the flu can be, our message is: really to talk to your medical practitioner about the vaccine," Ms Campbell said. This year, Australia has seen much higher rates of Influenza B than last year, particularly in children aged five to 16 years old, despite Influenza A being the more prominent virus type. Influenza A and B present similarly, but type B can be more severe in children. The influenza vaccine contains two strains of the A virus and two of the B. "[Influenza B] often gets a reduced awareness due to influenza A, probably because A is normally associated with pandemics," said Patrick Reading, director of the World Health Organisation Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Influenza. Children currently make up the highest proportion of Influenza B cases in Australian hospitals but the reason for that is unknown. "It's a bit of a mystery. It's an association that we see, but we can't say there's something specific about the virus that means it infects more children over adults," Professor Reading said. Flu vaccination rates have been sliding since the COVID-19 pandemic and the group most impacted by Influenza B — the five to 16-year-old age group — now have the lowest vaccination uptake of all ages. "In 2022 we had high rates across all age groups and now we have so many unvaccinated people, which means we have a larger cohort of people who are susceptible to infection," Professor Reading said. He said this fading immunity was putting significant pressure on the health system and the worst might be still to come. "We see elevated [influenza] circulation throughout August, September and October, so it's definitely not too late to get vaccinated," he said. Millie's parents had been strict with vaccinations but once she was over the age of five they believed she was less at risk of getting seriously ill from the flu. Influenza vaccines are free under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for specific groups considered to be at greatest risk, including children aged between six months and five years old. Outside of that age group the vaccine costs around $25 and becomes free again for people 65 and over. But the age restrictions may be confusing some people, said Julie Leask, a social scientist with a focus on vaccination and prevention of infectious diseases. "I don't think the risk-based strategy is working well for Australia," Professor Leask said. "When the vaccine is on the [NIP] it's a real signal to people that this vaccine is important and it's also a signal to health professionals to recommend the vaccine … we still unfortunately see some [doctors] saying the vaccine isn't a good idea for kids." For a vaccine to be free for all it must be deemed cost effective by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee. The committee has previously knocked back an application for a universal free flu vaccine but Professor Leask strongly supports the idea. "I think the Australian government needs to consider whether we can make the flu vaccine free for everybody aged six months and over, because then it will become a bit more institutionalised into our systems and simple to communicate." Research has found the most common reasons people don't get their children vaccinated include: Throw in anti-vaccine rhetoric, which has ramped up since the Trump administration took office in the US, and it's a complex picture. Over the last six months, US health secretary and anti-vaccine activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr has been recirculating disproved myths about vaccines causing autism and walked back COVID-19 vaccine recommendations for children and pregnant women. Professor Leask is convinced Mr Kennedy's messaging will cut through in Australia. "We are seeing from the US this kind of mainstreaming of misinformation … we will see the impacts of that to some degree in Australia," she said. Millie now has a prosthetic left leg and while swimming was originally part of her rehabilitation program, it is now a central part of her life. The now-14-year-old has become a competitive swimmer who has won multiple gold medals at national championships and qualified for the recent World Trials held in Adelaide. She now has her sights set on the 2028 Paralympics in Los Angeles. Millie's influenza battle has a hard-fought happy ending, but her parents are worried about Australia's changing attitude towards vaccination. "This growing hesitancy seems to be driven by the inability of people to decipher between evidence-based information and misinformation on social media," Mr Campbell said. "I understand the predicament because most people spend more of their life on social media but I would encourage people to speak with health experts. "Vaccination benefits not only you but the community."
United News of India
20-07-2025
- Health
- United News of India
Kerala Health Dept denies H1N1 cases in Kollam
South Kollam (Kerala), July 20 (UNI) The Kerala Health Department has termed as baseless the reports circulating about confirmed H1N1 cases in this district of the State. In the wake of confirmed cases of Influenza A in schools within the district, the District Surveillance Officer and team visited the affected institutions and issued necessary guidelines. Seven school children in the district have tested positive for the illness. "Influenza is a respiratory illness caused by a virus and presents symptoms such as fever, cough, and sore throat. Children showing these symptoms should avoid attending school and coming into contact with others," they said. If fever cases are observed in schools, the authorities must inform health workers and maintain a fever register. Mask usage in schools should be encouraged. Personal hygiene must be strictly followed. It is also mandatory to report daily updates to the Health Department. UNI DS ARN
News18
18-07-2025
- Health
- News18
Cough, Cold, Or Something Worse? Why You Shouldn't Ignore Monsoon Flu Symptoms
Last Updated: 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. view comments Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
New Indian Express
15-07-2025
- Health
- New Indian Express
Influenza cases on the rise in Kerala; 19 deaths so far in 2025
KOCHI: With 19 deaths and 1,857 cases reported so far this year, the state is witnessing a surge in influenza virus infection. In the first nine days of July, the state reported 382 cases and six deaths. Influenza is a seasonal disease caused by environmental and other factors, with fever and body pain being the common symptoms. However, a high proportion of elderly population and youngsters with lifestyle diseases, cancer, and obesity poses a threat. According to Dr Rajeev Jayadevan, convenor of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) research cell, there are three strains of influenza viruses in circulation now. 'H1N1, H3N2 (both of which come in the Influenza A category), and Influenza B strains are circulating. Also, a vast majority of cases go undiagnosed as the symptoms are often indistinguishable from other common viral infections,' Dr Rajeev said. The reason why fever and flu-related mortality is on the rise is the prevalence of comorbidities, pointed out Dr B Ekbal, a public health expert. 'Among the elderly and youngsters, more people are suffering from lifestyle diseases including diabetes, hypertension, and even cancer. In Kerala, only 40% of the people control diabetes properly. Obesity is also a major factor,' Dr Ekbal said. The severity of the disease varies as per the patient profile. 'Those with comorbidities and among elderly, the condition can even cause death. If the host is weak, the impact will be greater,' Dr Rajeev said. Unlike Covid, influenza has effective treatment, and if symptoms are present, it is better to conduct a flu test, Dr Ekbal said. 'The number of people who undergo flu tests is low in the state. Antivirals, if taken within 48 hours, are effective too,' he said. An expert panel led by Dr Ekbal — entrusted with formulating a new immunisation policy in November 2023 — had proposed a mandatory administration of flu jabs to those aged 65 and above, but no action has been taken. The data on seasonal flu released by the National Centre for Disease Control revealed that Kerala reported the highest number of deaths due to influenza A till April 30 this year. Precautions
Time of India
10-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
It's raining virals as temp see-saw triggers diseases
Kolkata: The drop in temperature, triggered by consistent rain over the past week, has led to another cough-and-cold epidemic in the city, with hundreds suffering from upper respiratory tract infection and persistent cough. With the maximum temperature dipping to 27°C on Wednesday, multiple respiratory viruses are again on the prowl. Most patients are experiencing a mild fever followed by a persistent cough that refuses to go. There has been a spurt in Influenza A (H1N2), para-influenza, rhinovirus, and enterovirus, said doctors and microbiologists. Peerless Hospital detected 20 cases of Influenza A in the last month. "This is the time of seasonal influenza or Influenza A, and many got tested with symptoms. We also got para-influenza, rhinovirus, and a couple of Covid cases in viral panel tests in the last week. This could last weeks, going by the temperature fluctuations and the consistent rain," said Peerless Hospital chief microbiologist Bhaskar Narayan Chaudhury. Many were treated for high fever, upper respiratory tract infection, and cough at Charnock Hospital. "We detected cases of Influenza A, enterovirus, and adenovirus. Since few tests are done, it is difficult to say which is the dominant virus now. We are treating patients symptomatically, and a dry, persistent cough has been the most common among patients. It refused to go even after the upper respiratory tract infection receded," said Charnock Hospital infectious diseases physician Subhayan Bhattacharya. But most responded to antihistamine drugs, and few needed hospitalisation, he added. You Can Also Check: Kolkata AQI | Weather in Kolkata | Bank Holidays in Kolkata | Public Holidays in Kolkata Around six Influenza A patients are admitted at Manipal Hospitals' Mukundapur and Dhakuria units with fever, body ache, and an upper respiratory tract infection resulting in a severe cough. "These are the most common symptoms, though we also received Influenza A patients with just fever and body ache. Most, however, have a respiratory tract infection and cough," said Manipal Hospital infectious diseases physician Sayan Chakrabarty. "This is the period when the mercury starts going up and down, leading to a spurt in viruses. Seasonal viruses are extremely contagious but rarely fatal unless the patient has an accompanying bacterial infection," said internal medicine consultant Arindam Biswas. Scores of children are suffering from high fever and breathing distress, according to paediatrician Shantanu Ray. "The accompanying symptoms, like body ache, headache, diarrhoea, and vomiting, have been very severe. We came across a few who had just severe headache, and a viral panel test revealed Influenza A. Some were also diagnosed after a bout of severe vomiting," Ray said. Those above 65 and below 12 are susceptible to bacterial infections while suffering from viral fever.
