On Tackling Influenza in India – Why are Indians falling ill so frequently?

Source: This post on Tackling Influenza in India has been created based on the article “Why are Indians falling ill so frequently?” published in “Indian Express” on 21^st February 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 Social Justice – Issues relating to Health.

News: The article discusses the rising concerns over the prevalence of influenza (flu) in India.

Background:

There is a growing concern over the escalation of respiratory diseases, particularly Influenza A (H1N1), in India.

Recent data suggests a rise of Influenza A (H1N1) cases in various states, with a few states also reporting deaths related to influenza.

A report highlighted the presence of A(H1N1) pdm09, A(H3N2), and Type B Victoria lineage strains in India.

What is influenza (flu)?

Seasonal influenza (the flu) is an acute respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses. It is highly contagious, affecting the respiratory system, including the nose, throat and lungs.

It is characterized by a sudden onset of fever, cough (usually dry), headache, muscle and joint pain, severe malaise (feeling unwell), sore throat and a runny nose.

Most people recover from symptoms without requiring medical attention, but it can cause severe illness or deaths, especially in people at high risk (like the elderly).

India: In India, factors like high population density, poor hygiene practices, weather conducive to the survival and spread of the virus and low vaccination rates increase the risk of flu transmission. The most prevalent subtypes are influenza A (H1N1), (H3N2), and influenza B viruses.

What is the impact of flu?

1. It can result in high levels of worker/school absenteeism and productivity losses.
2. Clinics and hospitals can be overwhelmed during peak illness periods.

What challenges exist in controlling the spread of influenza?

1. Detection is sometimes Difficult: The infection of other respiratory viruses (e.g. SARS-CoV-2, rhinovirus) can also present as influenza-like illness (ILI), which makes the clinical differentiation of influenza from other pathogens difficult.
2. Lack of Prioritisation: Strategies for influenza prevention and control have not been prioritised by health societies such as the Indian Medical Association or Indian Academy of Pediatrics.
3. Antimicrobial Resistance: Indiscriminate antimicrobial use for influenza treatment contributes to antimicrobial resistance (over 80% receiving antibiotics unnecessarily in Low- or Middle-Income Countries (LMIC)).
4. Climate Change: Due to climate change, seasonal epidemics of influenza may shift spatially and temporally, with rising temperatures and abnormal rainfall patterns being contributing factors.
5. Extreme Weather Events: Extreme weather events can increase influenza risks and the transmission of other respiratory viruses.

What should be done to control influenza?

Vaccination: Flu vaccine shots, particularly for high-risk groups like the elderly, healthcare workers, and pregnant women, are recommended to reduce hospitalizations and deaths.

Immunization Programs: The expansion of immunization programs, including the introduction of influenza vaccines into the Universal Immunization Programme, is proposed to mitigate influenza.

What is the Government’s Role in Addressing Influenza Challenges?

Preventive Approach: The government should adopt a preventive approach, expanding immunization programs to include influenza vaccines.

Question for practice:

What are the challenges which exist in controlling the spread of influenza? What steps should be taken in this regard?