Hyderabad: The increasing cases of influenza require not only testing for H1N1 (swine flu) but also H3N2 (a sub-type of influenza), said scientist and director of Atlanta Emory Vaccine Centre, Dr Rafi Ahmed.
This year in India, 800 people have died of H1N1, of which 64 were in Telangana. He said that there was a strong need for Indian scientists to study the strains of the influenza virus and understand them.
Dr Ahmed said, “Once the weather becomes warm, the virus dies out but it will take time and that is the reason that new cases are still arriving. At the same time, once the temperatures drop in July, the virus will become active, hence preventive care must be inculcated among the population.”
It is very important for people to cover their mouths while coughing and to wash their hands thoroughly. This year has seen a large number of young adults between 20 and 40 years succumbing to H1N1, which is a disturbing trend. Dr Ahmed said, “The immune system of these young adults is firstly fighting with the primary virus and then the secondary bacterial infection which is caused due to the virus. Due to this, the body has too much inflammation which leads to lung failure and multi-organ failure, causing death.”
With the strains of the virus being different, the vaccine’s effectiveness has reduced by 30 to 40 per cent. While vaccination can help those who are immune-compromised, it is also important to create a behavioural change in the population where basic preventive steps are taken to avoid the spread of the disease. The ideal time to take the vaccine is September every year as the new seasonal strains are available.
