Kathmandu

The season is changing and its impact is evident in people. Many are suffering from common cold, sore throat and fatigue these days. As per Dr Khem Raj Bhusal, Consultant Physician at Green City Hospital, Basundhara, influenza which is commonly known as flu is “common during the months of January, February and March, when the season changes from winter to spring”.

Common Vs Pandemic

Influenza is a common respiratory tract infection caused in humans by seasonal influenza viruses. From seasonal to pandemic flu, there are different kinds of flu.

“The influenza that we are seeing now in the country is a common one. It is different from pandemic influenza. Pandemic means the one that is prevalent in large scale — like how swine flu was epidemic,” Dr Bhusal shares more about influenza.

Cough, fever or feeling feverish, chills, sore throat, runny nose, muscle and body aches, headaches and fatigue are some of the symptoms of seasonal influenza, as per him. Meanwhile, body ache, fatigue, diarrhoea and vomiting are common symptoms of pandemic influenza, to which Dr Bhusal points out, “If one experiences diarrhoea and vomiting, then it is an alarming condition. However, it is difficult to differentiate between these influenza types. This is why a proper diagnosis is necessary.”

If someone comes with flu during its outbreak, Dr Bhusal asserts that pandemic influenza is highly suspected in the patient and they are often suggested to do the necessary tests.

Further complications

“When people with flu cough, sneeze, and talk, the viruses often get transmitted to healthier person infecting them. Flu viruses often get spread by human secretions and droplets,” Dr Bhusal explains, adding that it is a “respiratory illness and infects nose, throat and lungs. One can get infections of upper and lower respiratory tracts”.

Most people do not treat their seasonal flu believing that they will recover on their own. But Dr Bhusal warns that there are chances of secondary bacterial infection. He says, “Bacterial pneumonia can occur if seasonal flu is not treated. The complications are not seen in an initial stage. If there is dehydration because of diarrhoea, the patient’s health could be at risk. This is why an early treatment of the flu is necessary.”

If the disease is left untreated then it can also lead to “acute respiratory distress syndrome. This is a condition

of lungs, which prevents enough oxygen from getting to the lungs and into the blood”.

In another case, people may suffer from sepsis. As per Dr Bhusal, “The infection can spread in body which can lead to multi organ failure.”

Other complications seen due to flu are asthma and difficulty to control diabetes in diabetic patients according to the doctor.

Vulnerable ones

Anyone can catch flu but the ones with low immunity power are more likely to be infected with it.

“Due to low immunity power, children and elder people are vulnerable to the flu,” Dr Bhusal shares, adding, “Besides, people with chronic illnesses such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (difficulty in breathing), diabetes, renal failure, cancer, people taking chemotherapy, and those living with HIV are prone to the flu because of their weak immune system.”

So, these people must take care of themselves. “If it is not an alarming case like of dehydration (that causes renal failure and ultimately death) and diarrhoea, the patient can stay at home and take rest for a few days. But if there is high fever and excess body ache, it is advised to visit the doctor immediately,” suggests Dr Bhusal.

Hong Kong flu Hong Kong flu (1968’s pandemic) is making rounds in Nepal recently. So, what is this flu and how dangerous is it for the citizens here?“It is an antigen of influenza virus. This H3N2 virus has the symptoms similar to that of the seasonal flu and the cases have been seen in this season,” Dr Bhusal informs about Hong Kong flu.

He adds, “To find out whether it is Hong Kong flu or not, throat swab test is necessary. The test is available in the country.”