Influenza A is a shape shifter, with new strains emerging each year

This condition can be a huge economic burden and reduce productivity

New Delhi, March 11, 2018: Researchers have indicated that given the limitations of available drugs, flu-triggered respiratory diseases can claim up to 6,50,000 lives even in a non-pandemic year. While one-third of those infected may not have any symptoms, the remaining fall severely ill with the flu every year. This poses a huge burden on economies, in terms of medical care and lost productivity.

Influenza A is an archetypal shape shifter and causes most human outbreaks. The flu germ exists in dozens of sub-types of which two, H1N1 and H3N2, currently circulate in humans. Each of these further have many different strains, with new ones emerging all the time — each needing its own vaccine.

All healthcare workers and high risk patients must  ensure that they are vaccinated. Government must ensure that vaccines are available under prize control.

Speaking about this, Padma Shri Awardee Dr K K Aggarwal, President Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) and Immediate Past National President Indian Medical Association (IMA), said, “We need to understand how vaccines work. They mimic an infection, exposing the body to a germ, but in a weakened form. When confronted by another microorganism, the immune system takes a few days to produce an array of antibodies. The antibodies stay even after the microorganism has been vanquished in case it comes back. However, the virus that causes flu has evolved manifold to avoid this detection by antibodies. Called, antigenic drift, minute genetic changes happen as the virus replicates, which make it different every season. Another change is called the antigenic shift in which genetic material is exchanged between Influenza A subtypes to create a brand-new strain to which few people, if any, have immunity.”

Influenza or ‘the flu’ is a highly contagious disease caused by infection from influenza type A or B (or rarely C) virus. These viruses infect the upper airways and lungs. Flu is not similar to a common cold and can be a serious illness. It is particularly of harm to the elderly and those with underlying medical conditions.

Adding further, Dr Aggarwal, who is also the Group Editor of IJCP, said, “Influenza can also bring in other health complications such as bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as asthma, or diabetes. It is, therefore, important to not ignore symptoms of a flu. Chest pains and shortness of breath might indicate a lot more.”

The following tips can help prevent influenza.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
• If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. This will help prevent spreading your illness to others.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
• Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.