Kashmir sees early flu surge as doctors urge vaccination, experts urge precautions

Doctors report a rise in viral infections across Kashmir and warn against sending infected children to school

Srinagar: With the beginning of September, hospitals and clinics across Kashmir are reporting an increase in cases of seasonal flu.

Health experts are now advising residents, especially those at higher risk of serious illness, to consider getting the flu shot.

The advice comes as New Delhi has experienced an increase in flu cases since late August, raising fears of seasonal transmission and the possibility of more cases being spread through travel.

Muntaha, a 25-year-old teacher at a private school in Srinagar, said 15 of her students had come down with the flu.

Symptoms included high fever, body aches, runny nose and dizziness, she said.

“We have instructed parents that if their child is showing any symptom of flu, do not send the kid to school as other children in the class catch the infection and spread it to the entire class,” Muntaha told Free Press Kashmir.

Doctors in government and private clinics in Kashmir have seen an increase in the number of viral infections since the first week of September.

Dr Suhail Naik, senior consultant paediatrician and assistant professor at Government Medical College Srinagar, said hospitals were seeing a large number of influenza cases but urged people not to panic.

“People should follow proper hygiene and use sanitiser and face masks while travelling to avoid catching the infection,” Naik told Free Press Kashmir.

He encouraged infected children to stay at home rather than going to school, get enough rest, drink plenty of liquids and eat a healthy diet to reduce the risk of transmission.

“Mid-September was a good time for people to consider influenza vaccination because it takes several days for immunity to develop after vaccination,” said Tasaduq, a district epidemiologist.

Kashmir is currently witnessing a normal seasonal pattern of influenza, though the cases started earlier this year than usual, he said.

“There is low prevalence of influenza cases in Kashmir as compared to Delhi. Kashmir is experiencing a normal trend of seasonal flu cases, but yes, this time it started a bit early. It used to be in October; this year it started in September. People need to follow hygiene properly and keep distance from the infected person,” Tasaduq said.

Immunocompromised patients are at greater risk of severe infection and should consider getting vaccinated because their immune systems are weakened, so they may have more trouble fighting off infections, he said.

Tasaduq also appealed to people to wear masks in crowded places like Srinagar’s Sunday market where close contact could increase the spread of respiratory infection.

Health officials have cautioned against self-medication, especially the unwarranted use of antibiotics for seasonal flu.

“The seasonal flu is a viral infection, and antibiotics do not cure it but can make a person immune to the antibiotics. People should strictly avoid self-medication and seek proper consultation from a recognised doctor,” he said.

Antibiotics do not work to treat influenza because it is caused by viruses.

Doctors usually recommend supportive care, such as plenty of fluids and rest, and people with severe or persistent symptoms should seek medical attention.