Thursday, 04 January 2024 | PNS | DEHRADUN
With the fluctuating weather patterns, seasonal influenza has emerged as the prevailing ailment in Dehradun. In recent times, many cases of seasonal influenza have been observed in Dehradun. Taking note of this, the health experts said that the children and the elderly people are more susceptible to contracting seasonal influenza than those in other age groups. These two sections must be doubly protected from the lung-related disorders as this may lead to pneumonia if not treated appropriately and in time. .
Talking to The Pioneer, a senior physician at the District Hospital, Dr Pravin Panwar said that seasonal influenza has recently escalated in the city. “The elderly and children with compromised immune systems are more prone to this ailment compared to others. Negligence may prove dangerous as mild lung infection often ends up in pneumonia,” he said.
He further stated that symptoms such as a runny nose, throat infection and fever are commonly associated with seasonal influenza. “It takes approximately five to seven days to recover,” he added.
He advised against going for unnecessary testing. “What we need to do instead is to start prompt treatment. This will lead to faster healing. Besides, I ask the elderly and the parents of children to see to it that their outdoor activities are minimised,” he said.
A paediatrician, Dr Apoorav Jain said while talking to this correspondent that the children with weaker immune systems must be kept safe from seasonal influenza. “Taking lessons from the Covid-19 pandemic, we ask the parents to ensure that their children are given the influenza vaccine annually as a preventive measure. As per my experiences, seasonal influenza poses a significant respiratory threat to some children.”
Queried on the symptoms of seasonal influenza, he said that high fever along with cold and cough is a common symptom of this disease. “Early treatment, covered clothing and less consumption of oily and spicy food may prevent seasonal influenza,” he added.
