In India, there has been a persistent problem of cough, fever, and nausea caused by the H3N2 subtype of Influenza-A, which has been a threat to public health for the last two-three months. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has issued a list of do’s and don’ts to protect people from the virus.
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has also issued an advisory against indiscriminate use of antibiotics for these seasonal symptoms, which typically last for five to seven days. The IMA has asked doctors to prescribe only symptomatic treatment and avoid antibiotics, as most cases resolve within three days and antibiotics can increase resistance, making them less effective when truly needed.
The IMA’s Standing Committee on Anti-Microbial Resistance has noted that viral cases have also increased due to air pollution, particularly in people below 15 years and above 50 years of age. The committee warns against the misuse of commonly used antibiotics, such as amoxicillin, norfloxacin, oprofloxacin, ofloxacin, and levofloxacin, for conditions like diarrhea and UTIs, which can also contribute to antibiotic resistance.
It is important to rule out infection before prescribing antibiotics, and to avoid taking antibiotics like azithromycin and amoxiclav without a doctor’s prescription, as stopping the medication prematurely can contribute to antibiotic resistance.
