Ever since COVID-19, the knowledge of masks creating a barrier to prevent infections is common but still not practised thoroughly. In Ahmedabad, there has been a subsequent rise in severe flu cases; symptoms prevail for more than 2-3 days.
Dr Manoj Vithalani, a critical care physician, stated to a section of the media that high-grade fever and respiratory congestion are common complaints by patients. The fluctuation in weather ranging from 14-16 degrees from day to night in the Gujarat region is one of the reasons.
Swine flu (H1N1), Pneumonia and other respiratory illnesses can be prevented by taking the antiviral medicine Oseltamivir.
According to Members of the Federation of Gujarat State Chemists and Druggists’ Association, a clear rise in flu, cold, cough and viral infections linked to upper respiratory issues.
For patients with underlying conditions such as diabetes or cardiac issues, prescribing Oseltamivir has shown improved outcomes, says Dr. Vithalani. As per the data from Pharmarack, the sale of this medicine has increased by 33% in the past 2 years, jumping from Rs 6 crore in September 2022 to Rs 8 crore in September 2024; year-on-year growth was 14.5%, according to data available.
Since the cost of fever panel tests is high which is approximately Rs 4000-6000, patients prefer going for the medicine course that would only cost Rs 500. Physician Dr Mukund Bhatt connects the increased usage of Oseltamivir to changing weather patterns and a decrease in mask usage, causing more patients with severe flu, exacerbated by comorbidities and persistent congestion.
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