Spring influenza in India: Doctors suggest how to avoid prolonged symptoms

Spring flu has gripped India causing a painful rasping cough for a longer period. According to a report by the Hindustan Times, the key reason behind the surge in flu cases is due to low immunity and the relative unpopularity of annual flu shots in the country. 

Dr GC Khilnani, former head of the pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine department at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) told Hindustan Times that every other person is down with fever, loss of voice, and breathlessness.

“An uncontrollable cough, with or without wheezing, is a frequent symptom. The Influenza A virus (H3N2) is frequently diagnosed when tested," he told the daily.

The spike in flu cases in the country is similar to what the West experienced between September and January last year. The World Health Organization mentioned influenza A(H1N1)pdm09, A(H3N2), and influenza B viruses circulated in several countries.

A research paper--Household Transmission of Influenza A viruses in 2021-22 stated that "Loss of natural immunity from lower rates of influenza infection and documented antigenic changes in circulating viruses may have resulted in increased susceptibility to influenza virus infection during the 2021-2022 influenza season".

Several doctors in India have said that they are witnessing cases of prolonged cough post-flu, including influenza, RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), adenovirus, rhinovirus, etc.

The probable reasons for prolonged cough could be pollution, new mutant pathogens reflux diseases (acidity), and irrational use of antibiotics, according to the doctors.

To combat respiratory infections, doctors have advised patients to wear masks and avoid crowded places.

"The vaccine against common flu is available and people must take it," the doctors told the daily.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

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Flu shots have surprising health benefits (besides preventing flu)

Flu shots have surprising health benefits (besides preventing flu)

Flu vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from flu and the serious complications that can come with it.

Flu vaccinations prevent millions of illnesses and doctor visits each year. Flu is highly contagious and thus we all must consider getting a flu shot, especially now when the world is already dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Here are 5 convincing reasons why you must get a flu shot.

What is influenza?

Influenza is a viral infection that attacks your respiratory system - nose, lungs and throat. It is commonly called flu but is different from stomach flu viruses that cause vomiting and diarrhoea.

​It can help prevent serious health conditions

As per the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, vaccination reduces the risk of flu-related hospitalisations by 40 per cent. It also reduces the chances that the flu will make you land in ICU. Common symptoms of flu-like fever, low appetite, vomiting and diarrhoea can lead to dehydration and pneumonia. If you have respiratory issues or diabetes, getting flu can be dangerous.

​Expecting mothers can pass on the benefits to their unborn babies

Pregnant women are particularly at risk of getting flu and are more likely to get severe symptoms than women who are not pregnant. It's important for pregnant women to get vaccinated during their early pregnancy.

If you are pregnant, the benefits double as the flu-fighting benefits are transferred to your baby and can last up to six months after your baby is born, till the time your little one is old enough to get a flu shot.

​Lowers death rate for people with high blood pressure

In people suffering from high blood pressure, the flu vaccine can reduce death risk by 18 per cent during the flu season, says new research presented at the European Society of Cardiology's World Congress of Cardiology.

As per the study, patients with high BP saw a decrease in heart attack, stroke and death risk when they received the flu shot.

​It protects others who are unable to get a flu shot

Getting the flu shot helps decrease the overall spread of influenza, which is good for everyone. Getting vaccinated means we are playing a part in preventing a big flu epidemic.

Flu vaccine can be life-saving in kids

A study conducted in 2017 found that flu vaccination can significantly reduce a child's risk of dying from flu.

​How dangerous can influenza be?

In most people, influenza resolves on its own but in some cases, it can lead to some deadly complications. Some people are more prone to catching influenza than others, like children under the age of 5, pregnant women, adults over 65, people with weakened immune systems, people suffering from chronic illnesses and people who are obese.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

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https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
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