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Influenza prevention is a shared responsibility.
People have to make a lot of effort to avoid the flu.
Influenza, often mistaken for a common cold, is a far more serious global health concern than perceived. Each year, the virus affects an estimated one billion people globally, leading to 290,000 to 650,000 deaths, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Influenza is one of the commonest causes of influenza-like illness (ILI); and Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) which often leads to hospitalization.
In India, the situation is particularly concerning. Influenza subtypes A(H1N1) and A(H3N2) as also Influenza B are known to circulate widely. As per the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), there are nearly 15,000 reported cases of H1N1 influenza in India this year until August 31, 2024, which is approximately two times the cases seen in 2023. Unlike temperate regions such as the U.S. or Europe, where a flu season is confined to winter months, India experiences year-round influenza activity, with different peaks in different areas of the country, with most peaks during monsoons and winter. This persistent threat puts a significant strain on India’s healthcare system, as it struggles to manage a surge of patients presenting flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat and those who require hospitalization.
Dr. Parvaiz Koul, Former Director and Ex-officio Secretary, SKIMS, Srinagar shares all you need to know.
Vulnerable populations at risk
Although influenza can be self-limiting, not infrequently it can lead to serious complications including pneumonia, respiratory failure and even surge in non-respiratory events like cardiovascular events. Patients who are at risk for serious outcomes of influenza infection include those with chronic respiratory, heart, neurological, metabolic (diabetes) or liver disorders as also those at extremes of age (less than 5 years and more then 65 years). Pregnant females and patients who are immunocompromised are also at high risk. Even healthy individuals are not exempt from the disease’s far-reaching societal and economic impact, as it can lead to missed workdays, reduced productivity, and increased medical expenses.
Vaccination: A Crucial Line of Defense
Vaccination is regarded as the most important public health intervention in the prevention, transmission of influenza infection and its potential adverse consequences. The Ministry of Health recommends vaccination for high-risk groups and nearly all physician bodies emphasize on yearly influenza vaccination. However, despite the clear and present danger, India’s vaccination rates remain alarmingly low. It is therefore imperative for healthcare physicians to educate patients regarding influenza vaccination and ensure that they receive their annual shot. WHO recommends annual influenza vaccinations as the most crucial step in preventing the disease. Physician advocacy is most crucial as they are regarded as the most trusted medium of implementing any health care intervention.
Proactive Prevention: A Shared Responsibility
Influenza viruses are continuously evolving, requiring annual updates to vaccine formulations. The World Health Organization continuously monitors influenza viruses and recommends seasonal influenza vaccine compositions twice a year for the northern and southern hemisphere influenza seasons. This close monitoring of influenza is carried out to predict the most likely strains to circulate during the upcoming flu season and inform the vaccine manufacturers for development of appropriately matched vaccine. The vaccine composition is updated every year based on the surveillance results as there is a constant evolution of the viruses by antigenic changes. For the ongoing 2024-2025 winter flu season, the WHO-recommended Northern Hemisphere 2024/2025 influenza vaccine is now available in India. This provides an excellent opportunity for an opportunity for communities to be protected against the disease.
Influenza prevention is a shared responsibility. By taking proactive steps, we can collectively safeguard public health, protect our loved ones, and build a more resilient healthcare system.