Influenza Virus

Seasonal influenza is an acute respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses

Type of Influenza A viruses

xs A(H1N1) and A(H3N2)

Seasonal influenza 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. The cough can be severe and can last 2 or more weeks. Most people recover from fever and other symptoms within a week without requiring medical attention. But influenza can cause severe illness or death especially in people at high risk.

Patients with severe or progressive clinical illness associated with suspected or confirmed influenza virus infection (i.e. clinical syndromes of pneumonia, sepsis or exacerbation of chronic underlying diseases) should be treated with antiviral drug as soon as possible.

Apart from vaccination and antiviral treatment, the public health management includes personal protective measures like:

• Regular hand washing with proper drying of the hands

• Good respiratory hygiene – covering mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, using tissues and disposing of them correctly

• Early self-isolation of those feeling unwell, feverish and having other symptoms of influenza

• Avoiding close contact with sick people

• Avoiding touching one’s eyes, nose or mouth

The Goa government will hold a high-level meeting on Tuesday to discuss monitoring of seasonal influenza subtype H3N2 as directed by the Centre, state Health Minister Vishwajit Rane said.

He said directives of the Union Health Ministry will be strictly implemented and a review meeting will be held once a week on the same. The Union Health Ministry had issued directives to various states regarding the H3N2 virus.