Influenza cases are spiking across the State and the co-circulation of various flu viruses pose a threat to vulnerable categories, especially pregnant women and the elderly, Health officials have warned.

Viruses, such as Influenza B and A(H3N2 and H1N1), respiratory synctical virus (RSV) and COVID-19, are co-circulating in the community. Distinguishing them merely on the basis of clinical symptoms is impossible as symptoms often overlap.

Health department has advised people to maintain respiratory hygiene and etiquette and to use masks in public places as these viruses are highly transmissible.

”Until April this year, we had only scattered cases of flu. But cases seem to be on the surge now and so far, 941 cases and nine deaths have been reported. Of these cases, 457 cases and five deaths were reported in the month of May. Early treatment with antivirals like Oseltamivir can save lives and people – especially the elderly, pregnant women and those who are immunocompromised – need to be careful,” a senior Health official said.

In 2025 also, the State had reported 7,193 influenza cases and 43 deaths.

Evolving virus

Influenza A is especially a threat and has the potential to cause pandemics because of the virus’s ability to constantly evolve (antigenic drift and shift), allowing it to evade the human immune system. This means that the flu virus can either continuously re-infect people, requiring annual updated vaccines or it may suddenly appear as a totally novel sub-type against which people might have no immunity at all. Therefore, Robust surveillance to understand seasonal patterns and timely vaccination using updated vaccines are important to protect the vulnerable groups.

Influenza A virus can lead to lower respiratory infection and trigger a cytokine storm (excessive response of the immune system), leading to lung inflammation and fluid build-up, which could be aggravated by a secondary bacterial infection.

“The elderly, especially those above 70 years are disproportionately vulnerable to the flu virus and the complications. Flu vaccines are available in the private sector and in the open market. We would advise all senior citizens to take the flu vaccine annually,” a Health official said.

The State currently follows the integrated guidelines on the management of those with symptoms of influenza-like illnesses (ILI)/COVID-19. These guidelines states that those with symptoms of COVID or Influenza will be tested and treated, especially if the individuals belong to the high-risk of vulnerable category ( those with co-morbidities, serious chronic diseases, the elderly or pregnant women).

The management of flu patients, regardless of the virus variants, is done on the basis of red flags, such as drop in oxygen saturation, breathlessness, fall in blood pressure etc. An individual’s risk of developing serious disease or complications will differ, depending on his comorbidities.

Health officials are concerned that hospitals may become overwhelmed as flu and other infectious diseases, like dengue fever, surge in the coming weeks, complicating the ability of doctors to distinguish and treat patients with fever and respiratory illness in outpatient clinics.

Given the huge burden of chronic multimorbidities in its population of the elderly, influenza is certain to keep the healthcare personnel on their toes this season. The Health department has stressed that the emphasis is on prevention and testing and treating those with symptoms early.

Emphasis is being given on non-pharmacological interventions to prevent respiratory illnesses – masking, avoiding crowded places and cough hygiene in public places