H1N1 Influenza
Prelims:
Health &
Diseases
Mains:
GS Paper II:
Health and human resources
Current relevance:
H1N1
has emerged as the predominant influenza subtype currently circulating in
India, accounting for nearly 98% of Influenza A cases, according to the ICMR
Director-General.
Highlights:
About H1N1 Influenza:
1.
Type
& Causative Agent:
i.
H1N1
influenza is a contagious acute respiratory infection caused by the Influenza
A(H1N1) virus.
ii.
Influenza
virus is an enveloped RNA virus belonging to the family Orthomyxoviridae.
iii.
The
designation H1N1 refers to two surface antigens — H (Haemagglutinin)
and N (Neuraminidase).
iv.
The
H1N1 pdm09 virus emerged during the 2009 influenza pandemic and
subsequently became a seasonal influenza virus.
2.
Mode
of Transmission:
i.
H1N1
spreads mainly from person to person through respiratory droplets
released when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
ii.
Transmission
can also occur through hands or surfaces contaminated with influenza viruses,
followed by touching the nose, mouth or eyes.
iii.
Influenza
can spread rapidly in crowded environments, including schools and other
close-contact settings.
iv.
The
incubation period for seasonal influenza is generally around 2 days,
usually ranging from 1–4 days.
3.
Major
Symptoms:
Common symptoms include:
i.
Sudden
onset of fever
ii.
Dry
cough
iii.
Sore
throat
iv.
Runny
or stuffy nose
v.
Headache
vi.
Muscle
and joint pain/body aches
vii.
Chills
and fatigue
viii.
General
feeling of illness (malaise)
ix.
Some
H1N1 patients may also experience vomiting and diarrhoea.
4.
High-Risk
Groups & Complications:
i.
People
at greater risk of severe influenza include pregnant women, young children,
older persons, people with chronic medical conditions and immunocompromised
individuals.
ii.
In
severe cases, influenza may lead to serious complications such as pneumonia
and sepsis, and may require hospitalisation.
5.
Prevention:
i.
Annual
seasonal influenza vaccination is considered the best preventive measure against seasonal influenza.
ii.
Maintain
regular hand hygiene.
iii.
Cover
the mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing.
iv.
Reduce
close contact with infected individuals and follow appropriate respiratory
hygiene practices.
Influenza Surveillance in
India:
1.
India
monitors influenza through a network of 73 sentinel hospitals.
2.
The
surveillance system tracks both Influenza A and Influenza B.
3.
It
also monitors other respiratory viruses, including:
·
SARS-CoV-2
·
Human
metapneumovirus
·
Adenovirus
·
Parainfluenza
viruses
4.
Such
surveillance helps track the circulation and relative prevalence of
respiratory viruses.
Health Preparedness &
Preventive Measures:
1.
Dedicated
H1N1 wards have been
established at several government hospitals in Delhi.
2.
Authorities
have been directed to ensure adequate availability of medicines and testing
facilities.
3.
Surveillance
mechanisms are being
intensified to monitor infections.
4.
Public
awareness campaigns on preventive measures are being strengthened.
5.
Schools
have been asked to adopt a “Healthy School–Healthy Community” approach
and reinforce respiratory hygiene and other preventive practices.
6.
Coordinated
awareness campaigns involving transport agencies and civic bodies have also
been proposed, particularly because urban density and connectivity can
facilitate the spread of respiratory infections.
Source: THE HINDU - https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/h1n1-accounts-for-98-of-influenza-a-cases-in-india-icmr-chief/article71388649.ece