Influenza cases increase, docs advise to avoid crowd

Manav Mander

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, January 4

Avoid shaking hands and going to the crowded places as the cases of seasonal influenza are increasingly being reported in the city hospitals and the number is likely to increase with further nip in the air.

Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses and can cause mild to severe illness. People in old age, children and people with certain health issues are more vulnerable.

According to experts, there is increased threat of swine flu so people should be careful when the influenza virus is in cycle in the environment and adopt all precautionary measures. Although, no swine flu case has yet been confirmed, but people need to be careful as the temperature goes down.

Avinash Jindal, medicine specialist at the Civil Hospital, said they were receiving nearly 12-15 patients routinely and the number was going to increase once the temperature dips.

“One should avoid shaking hands, going out in the crowd and should use handkerchief while coughing and sneezing. A healthy immune system is the best defence against microbes, bacteria and viruses that will otherwise invade the body. Our body uses antioxidant vitamins to boost the immune system’s functioning. A healthy dose of vitamin C helps in creating a stronger immune system,” he said.

Dr Jindal stressed upon the need to keep the body hydrated. “Winters does not mean that one should cut down the intake of water. Our body should be properly hydrated and one should consume at least 2 liters of water every day,” he said.

“Patients suffering from seasonal influenza should be very careful while coughing and sneezing as this can infect others. It is contagious and spreads through the air. Although no cases of swine flu have yet been reported from the city, but those suffering from influenza should be careful,” said another medicine expert, Dr Jatinder Singh from a private hospital.

He said a balanced diet can help combat the disease. “Eating a balanced and nutritious diet helps in protecting the body from seasonal diseases,” he said.