The viral season

THE onset of winter sees a rise in the cases of seasonal flu, cold and cough and various respiratory illnesses. Generally, people’s immunity has gone down over the last few years because of their lifestyle; stress has increased as has the oxidative stress — an imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants in the body that causes cell damage. Caused by pollution, oxidative stress plays a major role in many medical conditions like cancer, Alzheimer’s and heart diseases. Nutrition has also become inadequate because of our dietary choices and the quality of food we eat, says Dr Parinita Kaur, consultant, internal medicine, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Dwarka, New Delhi.

As the weather changes, viruses are at their peak. They flourish in such favourable temperature — neither very high nor very low, causing an increase in various infections, including respiratory. Also, pollination and pollution are happening at this time. Because of that, viruses get a little more edge, adding to the incidence of various infections.

A combination of cold temperature, dry air and post-Diwali smog only exacerbates the problem. Environmental pollutants and viruses remain trapped in the cold air, closer to the ground. This is a major factor behind the rising infections at the onset of winter.

According to Dr Punit Mittal, a consultant physician based in Chandigarh, for immunocompromised patients who may already be suffering from infections, environmental factors only add to the problem. “When the airway gets inflamed because of the infection and there is inflammation in the nose or lungs, the polluted air we inhale has irritants which can keep aggravating the issue.”

Dr Monica Gupta, professor, department of general medicine, Government Medical College and Hospital, Chandigarh, says people with allergy issues are also more prone to infections at this time of the year because of the presence of pollutants and pollens in the air. “Wearing warm clothes and taking other precautions like avoiding crowded places is necessary. Those having low immunity, diabetes, liver or kidney disease, chest infection or if taking steroids, are more predisposed to all kinds of infections. These individuals should particularly avoid sudden exposure to cold,” adds Dr Gupta.

We cannot stop the cycle of seasons, but is there a way to prevent these infections that can happen during seasonal change?

According to Dr Parinita, the best way to protect yourself, particularly those who are immunocompromised, is to get your immunisation done before the flu season starts. “Flu shots remain your best bet. Viruses mutate and come out stronger every time. Flu shots are upgraded accordingly and are 70 to 80 per cent effective. These flu vaccines offer protection against pneumonia, or viruses that cause more illnesses, hospitalisations and even morbidity,” she adds.

Priced at Rs 1,800 to Rs 2,000 per dose, flu vaccine Southern Hemisphere 2024 quadrivalent, or SH24, protects against four flu strains, including H1N1 influenza viruses. The vaccine has been recommended by the WHO.

India reported 15,000 influenza cases and 239 deaths till August. The Union Ministry of Health has advised SH24 shots, especially for the elderly, children and patients with pre-existing diseases, as the cases will surge when the winter season reaches its peak.

There has been a resurgence of influenza A (H1N1) cases in many states, including Kerala, Maharashtra, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand and West Bengal.

All elderly patients or people who have respiratory issues or are immunocompromised, have diabetes, high blood pressure, or have had surgeries or have heart disease must opt for a flu shot every year. Healthcare workers and children are more vulnerable, as are those who work in crowded places or come in contact with many people like teachers, shopkeepers, etc. They, too, should have these flu vaccines every year so as to prevent themselves from prolonged illnesses, suggest most experts.

Apart from this, adopt other ways to increase your immunity such as a healthy diet and lifestyle. Eat fruits and vegetables, preferably seasonal. Adequate water intake is important. Many people may not drink enough water during the winter because cold weather can affect the thirst perception.

Keep yourself adequately warm and covered. Avoid going to crowded places if you can. Otherwise, wear an N95 or N99 mask. Try and take precautions like we were taking during the pandemic, suggests Dr Parinita.