Telangana: Influenza A Cases Rise, Elderly Hit Hardest
“We are seeing Influenza A cases. The symptoms include runny nose, cold and fever"": Dr Hari Kishan, senior pulmonologist
HYDERABAD: Influenza A, a type of influenza virus that causes respiratory infections, continues to be reported in government and private hospitals, with some patients requiring respiratory support in ICUs.
Dr Hari Kishan, senior pulmonologist, said there are two main types of influenza viruses, Influenza A and B, with H1N1 and H3N2 being subtypes of Influenza A.
“We are seeing Influenza A cases. The symptoms include runny nose, cold and fever. Around 30 to 40 per cent of those with low immunity are developing respiratory problems and are being put on ventilator support in ICUs. They are elderly above 40,” he said.
“We also saw a spike in cases in Delhi and Bengaluru. There are government norms regarding testing, and we use rapid tests. The spike may continue till October, as seasonal changes vary depending on geography. We also give antiviral tablets in the early stages of infection. Influenza vaccination can help elderly people with non‑communicable diseases prevent such infections,” he said.
Dr Amatul, Chief of the Virology Laboratory at Fever Hospital, said rapid test kits are available based on the approximate population and that suspected Influenza A and B cases are tested when required, as their symptoms are similar.
“There were around 20 suspected cases and we tested them, but none were positive. Many individuals have symptoms of influenza, and if we feel there is a need for testing, we conduct it,” she said.
Hyderabad District Medical and Health Officer (DMHO) P Srinivas told Deccan Chronicle: “The right person to provide the data is the DMHO, followed by the Director of Public Health at the higher level. The dengue cases are also around 320 in Hyderabad and no swine flu cases.
“We have warned private hospitals that if any notifiable disease is reported, they must inform us before making an announcement. Upper respiratory infection cases have been reported over the last three to four days due to the change in weather. I have been visiting Urban Primary Health Centres and Primary Health Centres and conducting sessions with private hospitals on monitoring viral infections,” he said.
