CHENNAI: At least one in 10 children brought to hospitals with acute respiratory infections over the last two years has been found positive for influenza virus, suggested a study by Dr ALM Post Graduate Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Madras.

The study is published in the journal Indian Pediatrics. The study urges people to follow a healthy lifestyle and hygienic practices, including frequent hand washing, to ward off the virus. Doctors also recommend annual flu vaccination during summer vacation as the new set of vaccines is expected in May.

The study recruited 267 children, aged 1.5 months to 16 years, visiting the outpatient departments of different hospitals, having symptoms like cough, fever, sore throat, blocked nose, nasal congestion, headache, muscle pain, and wheezing, from April 2016 to March 2018, with a peak in January and August. Children with chronic infections were excluded from the study. Nasal swabs were obtained for evaluation and the tests revealed that among those who tested positive, 8.2% were positive for influenza A and 2.3% tested positive for influenza B.

Researchers suggest that influenza virus is a significant cause of acute respiratory infections (ARI) among children. The study’s corresponding author, Thangam Menon, said that large population-based studies employing adequate molecular methods are needed to ascertain the prevalence of influenza viruses in children with ARI from different parts of the country so that preventive strategies can be planned.

Pediatric Intensivist, Dr Bala Ramachandran of Kanchi Kamakoti Childs Trust Hospital, said that all respiratory infections do not kill. It depends on the type of virus, the load, child’s health condition, etc. He added that the flu vaccine is used in many countries and it offers better immunity.

However, the vaccine is not a part of the country’s immunization schedule. Institute of Child Health director, Dr AT Arasar Seeralar, said that all children do not receive vaccination as most influenza viruses are self-limiting. He added that this is an annual vaccine and everyone cannot afford it. He further stated that the odds of complications with influenza in healthy children are too small to need mass vaccination. He mentioned that in government hospitals, the vaccine is given to children with chronic ailments.

Doctors’ bodies; however, recommend that the vaccine should be made compulsory. Senior Pediatrician, Dr Rama Chandramohan, said that though the vaccine does not offer 100% protection, it reduces morbidity. (TNN)