Infections with influenza are currently on the rise significantly throughout India. The integrated health information platform reports that from January to March of this year, India experienced approximately one million cases of acute respiratory disease or influenza-like illness.

Flu occurrences increased significantly in India last year, with a 16-fold increase since 2021. The number of influenza cases reported in West Bengal alone increased five-fold between 2021 and 2022. Additionally, West Bengal experienced an increase in influenza infections in 2023. A 6 to 7% positive percentage of the samples examined is observed in Kolkata alone.

It is crucial to take action to reduce India’s flu burden since seasonal influenza is a public health risk. Global healthcare leader Abbott held a roundtable in Kolkata to inform people about ways to prevent illness for themselves, their families, and the community in order to raise awareness about influenza prevention.

Dr. Jejoe Karankumar, Director, of Medical Affairs, Abbott India, and Dr. Raja Dhar, Director and Head of the Department of Pulmonology at the Calcutta Medical Research Institute graced the roundtable.

“The flu cases have been rapidly increasing in Kolkata this season. We saw 1-2 influenza infections a week between January and March 2023. The H3N2 subtype is the primary source of illnesses this season. People must take preventive action in order to protect not just themselves and their health but also the larger community. Since influenza is a disease that can be prevented by vaccination, more individuals should get vaccinated each year in accordance with the most recent WHO recommendations on the virus strain that is currently circulating” said Dr. Raja Dhar, Director and Head of the Department of Pulmonology at the Calcutta Medical Research Institute.

The flu, also known as seasonal influenza, is an acute respiratory infection brought on by a variety of influenza viruses, with types A (including subtypes H1N1, H3N2, and more) and B accounting for the majority of cases throughout flu season. Symptoms of the flu can range from moderate to severe and include fever, runny nose, dry cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, exhaustion, headache, and body aches. When a person talks, coughs, or sneezes, their infection might spread via the air. People may be at danger of contracting the flu from public locations, such as workplaces or schools, due to how easily it spreads.

To stop the influenza virus from spreading, people can do a number of things. These include often washing hands or using hand sanitizer with alcohol, covering one’s mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, refraining from touching one’s eyes, mouth, or nose, and avoiding contact with others who are contagious. To prevent the infection from spreading, people who are ill should also isolate themselves. Additionally, since the flu is a disease that may be prevented by a vaccine, inoculation against the flu is one of the best ways to prevent the illness and build long-lasting immunity.

According to Dr. Jejoe Karanakumar, Director of Medical Affairs at Abbott India, “Most individuals mistake the flu for a typical cold. The flu, however, is distinct and is seen as a public health issue that may result in health issues. It is frequently disregarded because of insufficient understanding of the seriousness of the flu and misconceptions about immunization. At Abbott, we’re dedicated to maintaining the health of Indians. We support the Mothers Against Influenza Initiative and collaborate with groups and healthcare experts to ensure that we increase public awareness of precautions that individuals may take to protect themselves from illnesses like the flu so that people can lead better lives”.

All ages are susceptible to influenza. The elderly (over 65), pregnant women, those with comorbid conditions (such as diabetes, renal, heart, or liver disorders, asthma), and people with immune system deficiencies are at a higher risk of problems. Additionally, the flu can be taxing on everyone because it leads to more doctor visits, less work and productivity, and restricted exercise.  Due to this, it is becoming more crucial than ever for people to take precautions to maintain their health in order to prevent the flu.

Increased vaccination rates for the flu, which have been shown to be both safe and effective, support layered defenses that help everyone—especially vulnerable members of the community—live better lives. Vaccination against influenza can also stop 70 to 90% of influenza-specific illnesses among healthy individuals.

Priyanka Dutta