Industry Odisha Bureau, Aug 26: The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has issued a public health advisory as the number of H1N1 cases in India continue to rise. The advisory urges people to remain vigilant without becoming alarmed. The advisory on Seasonal Influenza A (H1N1) focuses on appropriate treatment, recognising warning signs and avoiding unnecessary antibiotic use.
Health authorities have also said that the current increase is consistent with seasonal influenza and does not indicate the emergence of a new or more dangerous strain.
What does the IMA advisory say?
The IMA’s message is essentially to stay alert and monitor symptoms rather than panic over every fever or cough. People experiencing flu-like symptoms should keep track of whether their condition is improving or getting worse. Symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, severe weakness or worsening illness require medical attention.
People at higher risk of complications should also consult a doctor early rather than waiting for symptoms to become severe.
Why are antibiotics not recommended?
One of the key messages from the advisory is the need to use antibiotics responsibly. H1N1 is caused by a virus, so antibiotics cannot treat the influenza infection itself. ICMR has also reiterated that antibiotics have no role in treating uncomplicated viral influenza.
Antiviral medicines may be considered by doctors for patients with severe illness or those at greater risk of complications. The decision depends on factors such as symptoms, severity and the patient’s overall risk profile.
Unnecessary antibiotic use is also a concern because it contributes to antimicrobial resistance. This allows bacteria to become harder to treat.
H1N1 is rising, but is there a reason to panic?
H1N1 or swine flu is now a seasonal form of influenza. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the virus currently circulating in India is the established H1N1pdm09 strain. There is, however, no evidence of a newly emerged strain causing the current rise.
Delhi has seen a notable increase in cases. Government figures showed 1,777 confirmed H1N1 cases among 2,392 influenza A infections recorded in the capital up to August 20.
For most people, influenza is a self limiting illness. Typical symptoms include fever, cough, headache, tiredness, and body aches. However, the risk of complications is higher among older adults, young children, pregnant women and people with certain underlying health conditions.
