H1N1 surge in India: IMA warns against antibiotics and antivirals without medical advice

New Delhi: The Indian Medical Association (IMA) on Wednesday issued a public health advisory on the seasonal rise in Influenza A (H1N1), commonly known as swine flu, during the monsoon, urging people to avoid self-medication with antibiotics and antivirals.

The medical body also advised people to seek immediate medical attention if they develop severe or worsening symptoms.

According to the IMA, India is witnessing a seasonal increase in H1N1 cases, with metropolitan centres such as Delhi reporting more than 1,770 laboratory-confirmed cases. Cases have also been reported in Maharashtra, Karnataka and West Bengal.

The advisory said surveillance by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has confirmed that the circulating virus remains seasonal Influenza A (H1N1), with no novel genetic mutations detected.

“India is witnessing a seasonal surge in Influenza A (H1N1) / Swine Flu cases during the monsoon period,” the IMA said, while stressing that there was “no cause for panic”.

Most H1N1 infections are mild and self-limiting, the medical body said.

H1N1 symptoms

The IMA said H1N1 typically causes a sudden onset of high fever and chills, persistent dry cough, sore throat, severe muscle aches, fatigue, headache and a runny or congested nose.

Children may also experience nausea, vomiting or loose stools, it said.

The medical body stressed that H1N1 is a viral infection and antibiotics do not work against viruses.

“Do not consume Azithromycin, Amoxicillin-Clavulanate, Cefixime, or other antibiotics for flu symptoms,” the IMA advised, warning that unnecessary antibiotic use can damage the protective microbiome and contribute to antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

Antibiotics should only be used when a qualified doctor diagnoses a secondary bacterial infection based on clinical and laboratory findings, it said.

The IMA also cautioned against taking antiviral medicines without medical supervision. Oseltamivir is a prescription-only drug and should be used only for specific clinical categories under a doctor’s guidance.

“Do not self-administer antivirals,” the advisory said.

Warning signs requiring urgent care

The IMA listed several symptoms that require immediate medical attention, including difficulty breathing, shortness of breath or rapid breathing, chest pain or persistent pressure, and bluish discolouration of the lips or fingers.

Coughing up blood, drowsiness, confusion, extreme sleepiness, seizures, persistent vomiting and an inability to tolerate fluids are also warning signs, it said.

For children, inability to feed, lethargy, grunting and severe chest retractions were listed as red-flag symptoms requiring urgent medical care.

IMA recommends preventive measures

The IMA advised people to wash their hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser.

It also recommended covering the mouth and nose with a tissue or bent elbow while coughing or sneezing and wearing a well-fitted mask in crowded or enclosed spaces.

People with flu symptoms should stay at home and avoid schools, workplaces and social gatherings for at least 24 hours after their fever has subsided without the use of fever-reducing medicines, the advisory said.

The IMA also strongly recommended annual seasonal influenza vaccination for healthcare workers, pregnant women, older adults and people with underlying chronic medical conditions.

The advisory was issued by IMA National President Dr Anilkumar J Nayak and Honorary Secretary General Dr Sarbari Dutta. Dr Narendra Saini, chairman of the IMA AMR Committee, and Dr Venkatesh Karthikeyan, convenor of the committee, also signed the advisory.

The IMA said the advisory was issued in the public interest and urged people to remain vigilant while avoiding unnecessary medication and panic amid the seasonal increase in H1N1 cases.

(ANI)