Influenza and leptospirosis have emerged as major killers this season in Keralam, with both diseases together claiming close to 300 lives in the State.
Influenza cases have seen a steady rise across the nation this year and almost all States have reported a sharp spike in influenza A (H1N1) cases. Hence, the official tally reported under the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme does not reflect the actual caseload in the community. However, health officials maintain that the count is less when compared to previous years. Unpredictable weather patterns, high temperature and humidity and possible mutations in seasonal flu viruses could have contributed to this sharp spike in cases. H1N1 cases have been on the rise since the past few months in Keralam and it has been claiming a disproportionately high number of lives of senior citizens, leading public health experts to demand that the government should invest in flu vaccination for the elderly. with fever, chills, sore throat, cough and myalgia (body ache), influenza can turn out to be a serious disease amongst the vulnerable population While it presents like the common cold. The Health department’s influenza A H1N1 ABC guidelines do not recommend routine testing for mild cases and only those who reach the outpatient departments of hospitals with serious symptoms are being tested now. “The virus spreads easily through the respiratory route and through surfaces contaminated by the infected person. Patients with mild fever and cold symptoms do not need testing or Oseltamivir and can be managed with home isolation and supportive management. However, pregnant women and those with high-grade fever, persistent symptoms, and other morbidity should see a doctor and start Oseltamivir early. In the private sector, doctors are advising the elderly and those with comorbidities to opt for the annual flu vaccine if they can afford it as the vaccine can reduce the chances of infection and even when infected, prevent serious disease, hospitalisation, and death. In the case of leptospirosis, late diagnosis and rapid progression of the disease continue to claim lives.
As on September 15, the State has reported 10,244 cases of influenza — which includes primarily A H1N1, A H2N3 and Influenza B — and 109 deaths due to the infection, a sharp rise when compared to previous years. Because starting Oseltamivir early can make a huge difference, doctors are advising people not to self treat and remain at home if the symptoms are worsening or not subsiding. Because doxycycline at any point in the course of illness has been found to be effective, as the symptoms of the disease overlaps with that of any viral fever in the initial days, doctors in the periphery are now being told to start doxycycline in all cases of fever without respiratory symptoms.
Confirmed leptospirosis deaths in the State touched 100 as on September 15, apart from 78 probable leptospirosis deaths.
Hence, people visiting hospitals with flu symptoms should necesarily wear masks and maintain respiratory hygiene or else hospitals can become huge disease transmisson points,” says a health official.
