51-60 age group faces higher risk of H1N1 mortality

CHENNAI: The Influenza A H1N1 virus has claimed the most number of lives among the elderly, found a study published in the Tamil Nadu Journal of Public Health and Medical Research.

Tamil Nadu recorded 3,544 H1N1 cases and 19 deaths last year, which was the highest in the country. It was also the highest number of influenza cases in the State since 2018.

The Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine analysed the clinical-epidemiological profile of the positive cases reported between January 2022 and December 2023. Of the 6,462 cases, the clinical-epidemiological profile was available for 6,303 cases. The analysis revealed that the positivity rate was 11.2 per cent, with a case fatality rate of 0.68 per cent.

About 20 per cent of cases were reported in children aged below 10, while adults between 50-60 years of age accounted for 15.9 per cent cases. The highest mortality rate was in the 51-60 years category, accounting for 41.9 per cent deaths. The incidence was highest in Chennai, followed by Coimbatore.

The study showed that the incidence of influenza is highest in September (46.5 per cent), during monsoon, highlighting the need for intensified measures to prevent outbreaks during the period. Stringent surveillance and preventive measures are needed during monsoon season and early initiation of treatment is necessary to reduce the mortality and morbidity, it said.

Experts also stressed on the need to administer vaccines for adults, who are more vulnerable to infection and at a higher risk of mortality.

Early initiation of treatment

following the onset of symptoms was essential to mitigate mortality and morbidity, said the study, noting that timely initiation of treatment can reduce mortality and morbidity of cases of influenza A H1N1. “Hence, treatment with Oseltamivir can be initiated in symptomatic patients even before testing and availability of test results during winter and monsoon seasons to achieve a better outcome,” it said.