H1N1 surge: IMA urges caution, warns against self-medication; check complete advisory

The Indian Medical Association IMA has advised people to remain cautious amid a seasonal rise in Influenza A H1N1 commonly known as swine flu during the monsoon The medical body has urged the public not to take antibiotics or antiviral medicines without medical advice and to seek immediate treatment if severe symptoms developThe IMA said India is seeing a seasonal increase in H1N1 infections with cases reported in several states including Maharashtra Karnataka and West BengalDelhi has recorded more than 1770 laboratoryconfirmed cases according to the advisory reported the ANIThe IMA said surveillance by the Indian Council of Medical Research ICMR has found that the virus currently circulating remains seasonal Influenza A H1N1 with no new genetic mutations detectedWhile urging increased vigilance the medical body said there was no need for panic noting that most H1N1 infections are mild and resolve on their ownCommon symptoms of H1N1According to the IMA H1N1 can cause a sudden high fever accompanied by chills a persistent dry cough and sore throatOther common symptoms include Severe muscle aches and fatigue Headache Runny or blocked nose Nausea and vomiting Loose stools particularly among childrenIMA warns against antibioticsThe IMA stressed that H1N1 is caused by a virus and antibiotics cannot treat viral infectionsIt advised people not to take medicines such as azithromycin amoxicillinclavulanate or cefixime for flu symptoms without medical adviceThe medical body warned that unnecessary antibiotic use can damage beneficial bacteria in the body and contribute to antimicrobial resistance AMR which makes bacterial infections harder to treat according to the ANIAntibiotics should only be taken when a qualified doctor identifies a secondary bacterial infection based on clinical and laboratory findings the IMA saidDo not selfmedicate with antiviralsThe IMA also cautioned against taking antiviral medicines without medical supervisionIt said oseltamivir is a prescription medicine and should be used only for patients who fall into specific clinical categories as determined by a doctorThe advisory specifically urged people not to selfadminister antiviral drugsThe IMA has advised people to seek emergency medical attention if they develop serious symptomsThese include difficulty breathing shortness of breath or rapid breathing chest pain or persistent pressure and bluish discolouration of the lips or fingersOther warning signs include coughing up blood confusion extreme drowsiness seizures persistent vomiting and an inability to keep down fluidsRed flags in childrenChildren need urgent medical attention if they are unable to feed become unusually lethargic or develop grunting or severe chest retractionsThe medical body has advised people to take basic precautions to reduce the spread of influenzaThese include washing hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using an alcoholbased hand sanitiserPeople should also cover their mouth and nose with a tissue or their bent elbow while coughing or sneezing Wearing a wellfitted mask in crowded or enclosed places has also been recommendedThe IMA advised people with flu symptoms to stay at home and avoid schools workplaces and social gatherings until at least 24 hours after their fever has gone without the use of feverreducing medicines as per the ANIThe IMA has strongly recommended annual seasonal influenza vaccination for healthcare workers pregnant women older people and those living with chronic medical conditionsThe advisory was issued by IMA National President Dr Anilkumar J Nayak and Honorary Secretary General Dr Sarbari Dutta Dr Narendra Saini Chairman of the IMA AMR Committee and Dr Venkatesh Karthikeyan Convenor of the committee also signed the advisoryThe IMA said the guidance was issued in the public interest and urged people to remain alert while avoiding unnecessary medicines and panic during the seasonal rise in H1N1 caseswith ANI inputs