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A high number of cases of influenza A subtype H3N2 have been reported by various parts of India in the past two months with prolonged illness and persistent cough, ICMR experts said.
H3N2, which has been circulating widely for the past two to three months, causes more hospitalizations than other subtypes, the experts added.
According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the reason behind the sharp increase in cases is due to contraction of the influenza A virus subtype H3N2, which causes more hospitalizations than other influenza subtypes.
What are the symptoms of this flu strain?
The most common symptoms being reported are,
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
- Persistent cough
- Breathlessness
The Indian Medical Association (IMA), on the other hand, has advised against the indiscriminate use of antibiotics amid rising cases of cough, cold and nausea across the country.
Antibiotics for seasonal colds are ineffective; their overuse or misuse can lead to antibiotic resistance, which can make bacterial infections a threat to public health. There is a trend whereby doctors are prescribing antibiotics despite patients showing no relevant symptoms, the IMA said.
“Right now, people start taking antibiotics like Azithromycin and Amoxiclav etc, that too without caring for done and frequency and stop it once start feeling better. This needs to be stopped as it leads to antibiotic resistance. Whenever there will be a real use of antibiotics, they will not work due to the resistance,” IMA said in a statement.
Instead, clinicians must practice "self-control" and "regulation" and apply medical therapy that affects the symptoms in question. The IMA also recommends good hand and respiratory hygiene, avoiding crowded places and getting vaccinated.
"It is necessary to diagnose whether the infection is bacterial or not before prescribing antibiotics," the association noted.
Can taking antibiotics help?
No. In response to rising cases of cough, cold and nausea across the country, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has advised against the indiscriminate use of antibiotics such as azithromycin and amoxiclav to alleviate symptoms.
Dos
- Wash their hands thoroughly from time to time.
- Wear a well-fitted face mask in public, especially if you have flu-like symptoms.
- Cover your mouth and nose while sneezing and coughing.
- Stay hydrated
Don'ts
- Avoid shaking hands
- Don't Spit in public
- Avoid touching your face
- Don't self-medicate with antibiotics
- Avoid eating while sitting close to others
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