Malwa region of (M.P.) is witnessing alarming spike in H3N2 cases: Dr Naresh Purohit*

Bhopal: Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh is witnessing alarming spike in H3N2 cases, a viral flu which is long lasting and causing severe congestion which last for more than two weeks said Dr Naresh Purohit- Principal Investigator for the National Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (NIDSP)

Speaking to NewsonRadar.com,  while undertaking surveillance of viral cases under the NIDSP in cities of Indore, Dewas, Ratlam, Ujjain, Mandsor and Bhopal acclaimed Epidemiologist.
Dr Purohit stated that there has been an insidious spread of H3N2 across Malwa belt for the past few days and that over-the – counter sale of medicines including anti-allergic and paracetamol tablets has increased by over 25 percent in last one month.
He added that there was a phenomenal increase in the prescriptions of medicines for dry cough and allergies.

“H3N2 influenza presents as fever with chills, cough, runny nose, sore throat, body aches and diarrhoea. Even after fever subsides, patients complain of cold and cough for a longer period. It is more severe in older adults and see more hospitalizations’ than other strains.” he said

He warned with Holi coming into the picture, the elderly, children, and pregnant women are the most vulnerable to infection. As a result, they must exercise extreme caution while celebrating Holi.

“Apart from asthmatic patients, there are many additional individuals who have serious lung infections and are having difficulty breathing they need to be extra careful as they can inhale the colours which can cause serious harm to their health” he pointed.

He revealed that the H3N2 virus affects the throat along with the bronchial tree and this causes bronchial irritation and the patient suffers problems like asthma and breathing difficulties. The cough is persistent due to an allergy and air pollution can also be considered a factor in this.

He averred that the ICMR and the Indian Medical Association (IMA) have advised patients against the indiscriminate use of antibiotics or any other medication without consulting a doctor.

“The gullible populations who are at risk of severe infection and death are patients with other diseases such as kidney failure, diabetes mellitus, elderly with comorbidities like heart and kidney problems. The surge is further increased with social events, travel and other activities. The patient is infectious in the first 3-4 days of infection. Once the infection travels to the lungs the patients develop breathing difficulty and chest pain,” he added
The renowned medic advised paracetamol for fever and body-ache and plenty of fluids

“People start taking antibiotics like azithromycin and amoxiclav etc., that too without caring for dose and frequency and stop it once they start feeling better. This needs to be stopped as it leads to antibiotic resistance,” he cautioned.  (pics credit –Buoy Health and & News Medical)

*Dr. Narresh Purohit-MD, DNB, DIH, MHA, MRCP(UK), is an Epidemiologist, and Advisor-National Communicable Disease Control Program of Govt. of India, Madhya Pradesh and several state organizations.)