Cough and cold rising in the country due to Influenza A virus

According to experts from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), a persistent cough accompanied by fever that has been affecting people across India for the past few months is due to the H3N2 subtype of Influenza A.

This subtype causes more hospitalizations than other subtypes and is spread through respiratory viruses.

To prevent infection, the ICMR has suggested a list of Dos and Don'ts.

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has advised against the indiscriminate use of antibiotics to treat coughs, colds, and nausea, and to only prescribe symptomatic treatments.

The IMA has also warned against the overuse of antibiotics, which can lead to antibiotic resistance.

Viral cases have also increased due to air pollution and are most common in people aged below 15 and above 50.