Every year Monsoon brings not only the seasonal rains but also distinct seasonal diseases. Viral fever is one of the diseases and it comes every year with different intensity. This year also, we have been facing Influenza in states like Gujarat, Rajasthan and Punjab and Dengue fever in states like Kerala and Tamilnadu. Damage is severe and death toll have been increasing till today.
Fever
“Feeling hot” or sweaty does not necessarily mean fever. Fever is diagnosed only when a body temperature of over 38o C has been recorded and shivering occurs with a rapid rise in body temperature.
Influenza and its types
Influenza is an acute systemic viral infection that primarily affects the respiratory tract. Mortality is greater in the elderly those with medical co-morbidities and pregnant women.
Management and Prevention of Influenza
- Spreads mainly through the droplet mode like coughing and sneezing and touching of infected serous fluids.
- We may prevent the disease through frequent hand washing, avoiding the sick patients and wearing face masks.
- Managing with proper anti-viral drugs under the careful supervision of Physician.
- Prevention relies on seasonal vaccination of elderly and people with respiratory problem or immune compromise.
- The vaccine composition changes every year to cover the “Predicted” seasonal strains but vaccination may fail when a new pandemic strain emerges.
Avian influenza
Avian influenza caused by the transmission of avian influenza A virus (H5N1) to human. Most cases have a history of contact with sick poultry and person- to- person spread. Infections with H5N1 viruses have been severe with enteric features and respiratory failure. Vaccination against seasonal ‘fiu’ does not adequately protect against avian influenza.
Swine flu
In this case, influenza virus transmitted from pigs to humans. Re-assortment of swine, avian and human influenza strains can occur in pigs.