Hyderabad: Fifteen cases of swine flu have been reported between August 1 and August 5 due to a drop in night temperatures. Doctors want the government to ask immune-compromised individuals to undergo vaccination.
A senior government doctor, on condition of anonymity, said, “We have had the deaths of two pregnant women this year, which shows that they are vulnerable and need to be protected. Apart from the isolation of patients, it is also important to identify those who are in a vulnerable position, so that they may be vaccinated.”
According to the data from 2016, the viral load varied in patients. Though it remained low in some cases, in those who died of swine flu it reached 95 to 98 per cent.
Dr S.R. Reddy, a senior general physician, said, “Despite asking people to rest, they do not heed our advice. They carry on with their work.”
“This is one of the main reasons for reduced immunity, even in the younger population. The viral load increases because of exposure, and prolonged fatigue and stress to the body.”
Doctors say that the right time for vaccination is June or July, but with cases being reported all through the year, an annual vaccination schedule is required to protect immune-compromised individuals.
Dr Hari K., a senior general physician, said, “Flu does not have a season in India. We see cases even in the summer. Hence it is difficult for us to set a vaccination schedule. Immune-compromised individuals such as senior citizens and pregnant woman are advised to follow an annual schedule to ensure that they are protected. The vaccine does not provide 100 per cent protection against the flu. It only helps the body fight the virus when there is an attack.”
