Swine flu has spread in several states of the country, and the number of new cases is constantly rising. In this regard, the Ministry of Health has moved to a state of heightened alert and ordered all hospitals to prepare isolation beds.
Meanwhile, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has provided clarifications regarding who needs the swine flu vaccine and which groups of people should be tested. Furthermore, ICMR has indicated who is most vulnerable to the risk.
ICMR Director, Dr. Rajiv Bahal, stated that the strain circulating in the country is not new. It is the same seasonal flu that affects people at different times every year. According to Dr. Bahal, both Influenza A and B viruses are present in the country, with H1N1 of Influenza A being the most common among them.
He noted that annual minor changes in the influenza virus lead to it continuing to infect people. In the current case, the same usual changes are observed, and there is no basis to suggest the emergence of any new disease due to this H1N1.
ICMR does not currently recommend influenza vaccination for all citizens. Dr. Bahal explained that ICMR conducted a study on the cost and benefits of the influenza vaccine in India. According to the results, people with special risks, especially those over 65 years old, as well as people with weakened immunity, should consider getting the vaccine after consulting a doctor.
In response to the question about vaccinating children, Dr. Bahal replied that the influenza vaccine is not currently part of the national immunization program, and ICMR does not see the need to include it in this program.
The ICMR Director also stated that testing every flu patient is not required. He cited approximately 940 million tests conducted in the country during the COVID pandemic and emphasized that checking every person is not mandatory under the current epidemiological situation.
Since influenza is a viral disease, antibiotics offer little benefit in ordinary cases. However, patients who are at risk of severe illness may be prescribed antiviral drugs, such as Oseltamivir (Tamiflu), upon a doctor's recommendation.
According to ICMR data, hospitalization is not required in more than 99% of cases. To prevent the spread of infection when ill, it is recommended to stay home and rest, cover the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and maintain hand hygiene.