With the onset of winter, the hospitals across Kashmir are witnessing a surge in patients with respiratory tract infections. This surge is attributed to the influenza virus and its subtypes, including H3N2 and partly H1N1.
Doctors from various hospitals informed that there is an increase in patients seeking treatment for respiratory tract infection symptoms. They said the replication of different respiratory infection-causing viruses, including influenza and RSV, peaks in winter.
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Dr Fayaz Ahmad, Assistant Professor at General Medicine SKIMS Soura, said that many patients with upper respiratory tract symptoms have been visiting hospital OPDs, with most presenting flu-like illness. He called upon the people to wear masks, especially in crowded places, shops, malls, and public transport. People should keep themselves warm and hydrated, consume more fruits and vegetables, and consider getting flu shots if they haven’t already.
The symptoms of the H3N2 flu virus currently circulating in India, as per ICMR, are very similar to other seasonal flu symptoms. They include a runny or stuffy nose, sore throat with the cough, headache, fever, chills, body aches, fatigue, diarrhoea, and vomiting.
According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the H3N2 virus has been responsible for a significant increase in flu cases in India in recent weeks.
Doctors from other hospitals stressed the importance of covering the nose and mouth when sneezing, staying at home if ill to prevent the spread of the virus, and avoiding high sugar and salt-containing foods to reduce dehydration. They recommended drinking plenty of water, eating fruits and green leafy vegetables, taking adequate rest and practising good hand hygiene.
Doctors said that respiratory tract infections are common in Kashmir from October to March due to cooler temperatures, increased indoor crowding, reduced humidity, and a weakened immune system. While there is no need to panic, they advised taking precautions to avoid the severity and spread of infections.
