Chennai sees early H1N1 influenza cases; doctors urge vaccination

Chennai has reported a number of H1N1 influenza cases in recent weeks, with doctors noting that the infection has surfaced earlier than usual this year. Hospitals across the city have been treating patients presenting with influenza-like symptoms, and medical experts are recommending timely vaccination to prevent severe illness.

According to Dr. Suresh Kumar, senior consultant in Infectious Diseases at Apollo Hospitals, the hospital has been receiving H1N1 cases over the past one and a half months. "We are seeing at least three to four patients in the outpatient department every day, and a few require hospital admission. H1N1 influenza has surfaced even before winter. We usually see cases in September and October, but this time, they have appeared a little earlier," he said. He added that there have been more cases of influenza A virus.

Dr. Suresh Kumar noted that some patients have had severe presentations, including body ache, headache, back pain, and extreme fatigue. These symptoms have been observed across all age groups. Interestingly, nasal symptoms such as runny nose and sore throat have been minimal in some patients, while others have reported loose stools.

He emphasised the importance of vaccination, stating that the recommended vaccine for this season is expected to be available by the end of the month. "It is important to get vaccinated against H1N1. A few patients have required intensive care, prone ventilation, and oxygen support," he added.

Dr. Madhumitha R., senior consultant in Infectious Diseases and Infection Control at MGM Healthcare, said that while H1N1 cases have appeared a little earlier this year, the infection is endemic and can occur at different times of the year. "There are short-term rises in cases often followed by a decline in numbers. For instance, there was a spike in cases during summer. But yes, we have been seeing quite a lot of H1N1 influenza cases, specifically influenza A, over the last few weeks. People are presenting with symptoms such as fever, cold, cough, and sore throat," she said.

Dr. Madhumitha also highlighted that influenza vaccines are available throughout the year, with formulations updated periodically to match circulating strains and the requirements of the Northern and Southern Hemisphere influenza seasons. "Vaccination helps reduce the risk of severe influenza. Highly vulnerable groups, including older adults, pregnant women, and people with underlying medical conditions, should be vaccinated yearly," she advised.

The rise in influenza cases has also been observed among children. Dr. Janani Sankar, medical director of Kanchi Kamakoti CHILDS Trust Hospital, said they are seeing more cases of influenza A over the last two weeks. She recommended following standard preventive measures, including practising cough etiquette, maintaining hand hygiene, and getting vaccinated against influenza.

A government doctor, speaking on condition of anonymity, said they are seeing mixed flu-like illness but are unable to confirm H1N1 influenza due to a lack of testing. "Patients are presenting with symptoms of fever with headache. Some develop gastric symptoms and diarrhoea. Patients improve with symptomatic treatment and antibiotics. In a few patients, the sickness worsens and they require IV injections. Many develop leucopenia and thrombocytopenia, but these resolve in a few days," he said. He noted that respiratory symptoms are few this season and that they start patients on Oseltamivir if there are any moderate respiratory symptoms.

Dr. S. Chandrasekar, Professor and Head of the Department of Medicine and Critical Care Services at Government Stanley Medical College Hospital, said there had been cases of H1N1 influenza two to three weeks ago, but they were mild in nature. Patients presented with cough, fever, headache, and body ache, and symptoms generally lasted three to five days before improving. However, some persons continued to experience exhaustion, while vulnerable groups, including the elderly, reported prolonged illness.

"We expect a surge in cases in the coming months due to the monsoon. Vaccination is the best way to prevent infection, and August and September are the right time to get vaccinated," Dr. Chandrasekar said.