In the first five months of this year, India has seen a significant surge in influenza cases and deaths, with a total of 6,351 cases and 132 fatalities reported. Punjab topped the mortalities list with 41 deaths followed by Gujarat with 27 and Haryana with 26. Case numbers are highest in Delhi (1,563), Gujarat (1,049), and Rajasthan (1,008), according to data from the National Centre for Diseases Control (NCDC) under the Union Health Ministry.
Last year, in Tamil Nadu alone, 3,544 influenza cases marked the highest number in 14 years.
Health experts said that while temperate regions see seasonal flu primarily in winter, tropical areas like India experience two phases of influenza--- summer and a longer winter phase.
Since the current year has already seen 80% of last year's total cases in just five months, it suggests that a potentially severe flu season is ahead.
The incubation period, or the time from infection to illness, is about two days but ranges from one to four days.
However, experts have attributed the rise in numbers to higher investigations post-Covid-19 pandemic.
Also, this indicates that regions with immunocompromised populations, those with co-morbidities, and the elderly are at higher risk of afflicting with influenza.
Dr Deepak Kumar Das, Chief Medical Officer at the Delhi-based Hindu Rao Hospital, a largest multi-specialty hospital, run by Municipal Corporation of Delhi emphasised that individuals with low immunity or underlying health conditions as well as those suffering from co-morbidities are at a higher risk of contracting influenza.
“Prevention steps are similar to those for Covid-19. People should cover their mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing and wash their hands regularly. They should also avoid going to crowded places and must wear masks as a prevention measure,” said Dr Das.
“Anti-viral medications can be used to treat influenza. Newer antiviral drugs are also available. Seasonal influenza vaccines are updated annually to match circulating strains. The 2024-25 influenza vaccine includes components targeting common strains of Influenza A (H1N1, H3N2).”
“Efforts are ongoing to improve vaccine effectiveness and develop universal influenza vaccines that offer broader protection,” said Dr Rishikesh Dessai, Consultant Physician at the Department of Medicine, Sir Gangaram Hospital.
“Also, the vaccine shot should be taken before the onset of influenza spread. Taking the vaccine during the influenza season will not help,” said the doctors.
Dr. Kartikeya Kohli, Senior Consultant of Internal Medicine at MASSH Super Speciality Hospital in Delhi, emphasised that influenza is a serious respiratory illness if ignored.
“The symptoms of influenza include high fever, chills, muscle aches, fatigue, sore throat, cough, and a runny or stuffy nose.
Vaccination remains the best preventive measure against influenza, helping to reduce the severity and incidence of the flu,” Dr Kohli explained.