CHENNAI: The rise in mortalities due to seasonal influenza-related respiratory diseases has been a primary cause of concern among public health experts and it is worrying to see that the risk is further increased as per updated estimates.
According to a recent study published in the Lancet, seasonal influenza-related respiratory diseases are estimated to kill up to 6.46 lakh patients annually. The study shows that children younger than five years are at a larger risk. The earlier estimates said the numbers can reach from 2.5-lakh -5 lakh, but the recent report shows a spike in the cases.
As per the study, age-specific mortality estimates presented a greater mortality burden in older adults and high rates of flu-associated respiratory deaths. The study also stressed on World Health Organisation’s recommendations to use flu vaccination to help protect people from the infection.
Public health experts suggest that surveillance and laboratory support to detect and respond immediately to influenza along with an effective administration of antibiotics can help reduce the risk of deaths. “Influenza can develop respiratory complications with symptoms such as a cough, fever, shivering, while acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is the major complication. ARDS reduces the supply of oxygen to the lungs and the blood that may also lead to the death of the patient,” said Dr Lakshmi Prashanth, consultant paediatrician, Kauvery Hospital.
