Rising cases of cough and high fever have been reported in most parts of the country. The extensively spread virus, caused by the H3N2 subtype of Influenza A, has led to such symptoms in people.
As per ICMR, upper respiratory infections accompanied by fever are being observed in people, possibly exacerbated by air pollution. In addition, common symptoms include coughing, nausea, vomiting, sore throat, body aches, and diarrhea.
According to ICMR, the common symptoms include coughing, nausea, vomiting, sore throat, body aches, and diarrhea. Currently, respiratory infections along with fever are being seen in people.
ICMR and IMA have advised patients not to take antibiotics and other medicines without suggestions from doctors. "Treatment with paracetamol for fever and bodyache is advised. Also take in plenty of fluids," the ICMR said.
The infection caused by the virus stays for almost five to seven days but the fever ends within three days. The cough can last for three weeks.
It is advisable to always wash hands regularly before consuming food and also wash after touching face or any other parts of body
Avoid very crowded areas where there are chances of increase in the spread of virus. The most misused antibiotics are Amoxicillin, Norfloxacin, Oprofloxacin, Ofloxacin and Levofloxacin.
Increase in air pollution can also help in spreading the virus and Indian Medical Association said that this occurs mostly in people aged below 15 and above 50.
The Indian Medical Association asked doctors to prescribe only symptomatic treatment and not antibiotics. "It is necessary to diagnose whether the infection is bacterial or not before prescribing antibiotics," said IMA.
Among the patients with H3N2 flu, 92% were found to have a fever; 86% had a cough, 27% had breathlessness, and 16% were wheezing. Also, the ICMR surveillance found that 16% of such patients had pneumonia and 6% had seizures.