Using Oseltamivir in Medical Management Of Influenza: Check out what Health Ministry guidelines say
As per Government of India letter dated 11 March 2023, an increasing trend of ILIJSARI across the country has been noticed since December 2022, with a preponderance of Influenza A (H3N2) being detected in various labs. It is noted that young children, Senior citizens, and people suffering from comorbidities are particularly at risk and vulnerable to H IN I, 1-13N2, Adenoviruses, etc. While...
As per Government of India letter dated 11 March 2023, an increasing trend of ILIJSARI across the country has been noticed since December 2022, with a preponderance of Influenza A (H3N2) being detected in various labs. It is noted that young children, Senior citizens, and people suffering from comorbidities are particularly at risk and vulnerable to H IN I, 1-13N2, Adenoviruses, etc. While most of these agents cause a similar mild illness, in some cases, particularly those with co-morbidities. the diseases can manifest into a severe illness requiring hospitalization.
Influenza is a contagious acute respiratory disease caused by influenza A & B virus. Symptoms can be categorized as below:
a) Symptoms of uncomplicated influenza - Fever, cough, sore throat rhinorrhoea headache muscle pain, malaise Diarrhea vomiting especially in children but without dehydration.
b) Symptoms of complicated influenza - Respiratory- shortness of breath, pneumonia CNS- encephalitis, Dehydration, Renal failure, multiorgan failure, septic shock Exacerbation of asthma or COPD or chronic hepatic/renal failure or diabetes or CVS condition.
Symptoms suggestive of Influenza Like Illness (IL-I) are Cough, Cold. Sore throat. Body ache, Headache, Chills & Fatigue. Currently the number of Influenza cases are rising in Mumbai. The death & complications can be prevented if ILI patient receives Oseltamivir treatment at earliest.
Guidelines by Ministry of Health and Family welfare criteria for investigation & Treatment Protocol for Influenza is as follows:
| Sr No | Cat | Chief Symptoms | Swab Collection | Treatment |
| 1 | A | Mild Fever(<38 Throat irritation, body ache, headache, diarrhea & vomiting | Not Recommended | • No Oseltamivir • Symptomatic treatment • Review after 24 hrs • Home isolation |
| 2 | B | In addition to above symptoms Fever >38 C, severe sore throat, running nose | Swabs of selected patients belonging to high risk group | • Oseltamivir needed |
| 3 | C | In addition to above symptoms breathlessness, Chest pain, hemoptysis, hypotension, bluish discoloration of nails, and in children irritation drowsiness. | Swabs of all patients | • Oseltamivir & hospitalization |
Hence all Private Medical Practitioners are requested to manage ILI patients judiciously in their OPDs and initiate early Oseltamivir treatment as per above guidelines. All such cases shall be reported to concerned ward MOH.
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