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As the rainy clouds arrive and provide a much-needed break from the heat, another issue surfaces - an increased risk of infections. While many people consider the flu during the rainy season to be a simple result of changing weather, this mindset can be harmful. The monsoon period in India is a hotspot for various infections, with the flu being one of the most commonly misunderstood illnesses. What may begin as a slight cold or fever is frequently managed with over-the-counter medications, including antibiotics, which could actually worsen the situation. The start of the monsoon brings high humidity and germs, creating ideal conditions for viruses and bacteria to spread. Individuals often misinterpret flu-like symptoms as just a common cold or seasonal bug.
This delay in identifying the illness can lead to more serious health issues. Infections from respiratory viruses like Influenza A (H1N1), H3N2, SARS-CoV2, and RSV can be quite serious, especially for people with weakened immune systems or existing health issues such as asthma, diabetes, and heart problems.
In their eagerness to feel better, many choose to self-medicate, often grabbing antibiotics at the first hint of fever or cold. This frequent use of antibiotics has led to a worrying situation known as antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The World Health Organization highlights AMR as one of the top ten global health risks, estimating that around 5 million deaths each year are due to infections that are resistant to drugs.
The excessive use of antibiotics speeds up the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, making it harder to treat future infections.
More dangerously, the symptoms might worsen into severe complications like pneumonia or organ failure, resulting in hospital stays that could have been prevented with prompt and accurate diagnosis and suitable treatment. The good news is that early diagnostic methods can assist in stopping the flu from becoming more serious. Advanced technologies, such as Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), allow doctors to quickly and accurately detect pathogens at the genetic level better than traditional techniques. NGS can identify the exact virus or bacteria behind the infection, even those that are hard to culture or find with older methods. NGS is capable of detecting a broad array of pathogens in one test, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses that cause respiratory infections, while also providing information about the antimicrobial resistance characteristics of these pathogens.
With results ready in as little as 24 hours, this technology enables doctors to start the most effective treatment without any delay. Tests that use next-generation sequencing can assist doctors in stepping away from general antibiotics and opting for treatment choices based on specific data. These assessments show exactly which germs are present, whether they are viruses, bacteria, or fungi, enabling precise treatment. By giving a detailed overview of the pathogens, genetic tests help medical professionals comprehend the specific characteristics of a patient's infection. Rather than depending on guesswork, physicians can intelligently decide if they should suggest antiviral drugs, alleviate symptoms, or utilize stronger therapies.
With the rainy season coming, it is important to remain alert regarding flu and other illnesses. Symptoms like the flu during this period shouldn’t be taken lightly as merely a result of the weather. Acting quickly with the right tests can help avoid issues, lower the need for antibiotics, and help fight against drug resistance.
