A fever shooting as high as 103-104°F accompanied by significant body ache has emerged as a prominent feature of the influenza cases currently being seen in Delhi, with a senior doctor saying H1N1 accounts for about 70 per cent of cases
Doctors have also sounded a stronger warning for children under five, particularly those below two, as well as senior citizens, pregnant women, and people with underlying medical conditions
Dr Dhiren Gupta of Sir Ganga Ram Hospital said the present influenza strain is causing greater distress among younger children. He advised parents not to send a child to school or allow them to mix in groups after they develop cough or cold symptoms
Advertisement
H1N1 symptoms: High fever and body ache stand out
“About 70% of the cases are H1N1, which we know as Swine Flu. Compared to the initial outbreak in 2009, the virus is causing more distress in children under five, while high fever is troubling those under two,” Dr Gupta said
He identified significant body ache and a high fever of 103-104°F as major features of the current influenza strain
“A major feature is significant body ache and high fever (103-104°F); this is a key differentiator when comparing COVID-19 or other viruses with the current influenza strain (predominantly H1N1),” he said
His remarks come amid an increase in H1N1 cases in the national capital
Children under two among those at greater risk
Dr Gupta said problems are more likely among children who have underlying medical conditions and those below the age of two
Particular attention is needed when young children stop eating or drinking and develop temperatures of 103°F or 104°F, he said
He described the change in the virus as an “antigenic drift”, distinguishing it from the shift associated with the 2009 outbreak
“This is an antigenic drift, not a shift like the one in 2009 that terrified many parents,” he said
People with diabetes, hypertension, chronic lung disease, asthma, or neurological conditions also face greater risks
“Those with comorbidities, such as diabetes, hypertension, chronic lung disease, asthma, or neurological issues, are at the highest risk. So, it is our duty to do everything we can to curb the spread within the community,” he said
Who faces higher risk of flu complications?
Dr Inder Mohan Chugh, Vice Chairman and HOD, Pulmonology at Yatharth Super Speciality Hospital, Model Town, said children, senior citizens, and pregnant women should be particularly careful
People with weakened immunity or conditions including diabetes, heart, kidney, or liver disease, cancer, asthma, COPD, and other respiratory illnesses can also be more vulnerable to complications such as pneumonia, he said
Most influenza cases recover within seven to 10 days, but people in high-risk groups should seek medical attention promptly, Dr Chugh said
Antibiotics do not treat influenza, doctor warns
Doctors also cautioned against treating a viral influenza infection with antibiotics
“Antibiotics do not treat viral influenza; appropriate antiviral treatment may be advised by a doctor, especially when started early,” Dr Chugh said
He recommended annual influenza vaccination and regular hand hygiene. People who develop symptoms should avoid crowded places, while masks can be used when necessary to limit transmission
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can also help reduce the risk of infection and its spread, he said
Advertisement
- Flu Symptoms
- H1N1
- Health news
