How Do Close Contact And Crowded Spaces Play A Role In Festivals’ Flu Phenomenon?
The Festive Time Of The Year In India Is Here
How Do Close Contact And Crowded Spaces Play A Role In Festivals’ Flu Phenomenon? : It starts in August and lasts till December. But this joyous time also coincides with the monsoon along with overcrowding. During this festive season, Dr Disha Sheth, DNB medicine, Ruby Hall Clinic, Wanowrie, Pune, sheds light on this common but essential topic of the festival’s flu phenomenon. Around one billion people are affected by seasonal influenza every year; out of this, around 3-5 million become severe flu cases. The WHO estimates that annually, 250,000 to 500,00 deaths occur due to flu.
Festive Crowding
Crowding occurs when the number of individuals exceeds the space available, resulting in adverse health outcomes, such as infectious diseases. Crowding may be temporary or long-term, impacting the intensity and duration of exposure to pathogens and the risk of transmission. Even temporary crowding in public areas such as trains and buses can propagate an outbreak of highly contagious agents. Overcrowding and festivals present the ideal environment for the transmission of infections.
The Flu Symptoms Are:
Fever, cold, cough with or without sputum, sore throat, headache, body ache, and headache. The severity of the above symptoms varies according to one’s immunity. Dr Sheth suggests the following practical strategies to counter flu infections during overcrowding in festivals:
Wash/Sanitize Your Hands Regularly
Avoid staying for too long in crowded places. Self-isolate if you feel unwell, feverish, or have other influenza symptoms. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Eat healthy food for good sanitation and better immunity. Drink boiled water.
Vaccination
Vaccination is vital to preventing infection and severe outcomes caused by influenza viruses. One should contact their healthcare provider to learn more about appropriate vaccinations for influenza. Older adults who are at higher risk must consider this vaccination.
Conclusion
A top-down approach might not be ideal, but policies and strategies on the local level become more critical to prevent overcrowding in festivals. Reducing the infection risks in the most affected populations ultimately serves the entire population. Lastly, public awareness and education regarding the transmission risk of influenza in crowded places can make a real impact in preventing flu outbreaks.