According to a report published by Greater Kashmir, influenza began spreading earlier across India this year, resulting in an early rise in cases in Kashmir as well.
Prof Naveed Nazir Shah, a pulmonologist at Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar, said influenza cases in Kashmir usually begin surging around November, but the rise started in September this year.
He said several patients were developing secondary infections and pneumonia, advising people to seek medical attention if flu symptoms persist for a week or are accompanied by breathlessness or high-grade fever.
Prof Shah recommended influenza vaccination for people with diabetes, lung diseases and weakened immunity. He said the trivalent influenza vaccine is recommended this year and stressed that children below five years of age should also be vaccinated.
The Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) has also issued a public health advisory urging people to get vaccinated against influenza and pneumonia.
Issued by the Department of Internal and Pulmonary Medicine, the advisory emphasised proper hand hygiene and cautioned against the unnecessary use of antibiotics.
The advisory noted that respiratory viral infections tend to spread more easily during autumn and winter. Cold weather can also aggravate existing conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cardiovascular ailments.
People experiencing fever, persistent cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches or fatigue have been advised to take precautions to prevent the spread of infection. However, these symptoms can be caused by several respiratory viruses, and laboratory testing is required to confirm influenza as the cause.
Seasonal influenza typically causes a sudden onset of fever, cough, headache, muscle and joint pain and sore throat. Marked fatigue and weakness are also common, although most people recover within about a week.
The illness can cause severe complications among vulnerable groups, including young children, people aged over 65, pregnant women and those with chronic illnesses or weakened immunity.
The World Health Organisation recommends annual influenza vaccination for people at higher risk of developing severe disease. While vaccination reduces the risk of severe illness, it does not completely prevent infection.
Prof Shah also advised people experiencing flu-like symptoms to stay at home as far as possible to limit transmission, particularly among schoolchildren.
SKIMS has specifically cautioned people against self-medication and the indiscriminate use of antibiotics, which are ineffective against viral infections such as influenza unless a bacterial infection also requires treatment.
Doctors have stressed that maintaining hand hygiene, avoiding unnecessary antibiotic use, staying home when ill and ensuring timely vaccination of vulnerable groups can help reduce the spread and complications of respiratory infections during the winter season.
