(This article is authored by Alar)

Coimbatore, the second-largest city in Tamil Nadu, is facing a spike in flu cases as the northeast monsoon brings cold and damp weather. The district administration has issued a health advisory to the public, urging them to take preventive measures, asks people to wear masks compulsorily, and seek medical attention if they develop any symptoms.

According to the statement of district collector Kranthi Kumar Pati, the flu virus is affecting children and elderly people more, who are vulnerable to respiratory infections due to the North east monsoon. He said that the common symptoms of the flu are fever, body pain, headache, cold and cough. He advised the people to drink boiled water, wash their hands frequently with soap, wear masks in crowded places, and eat food rich in protein.

He also suggested gargling with rock salt in hot water if there is hoarseness in the throat. Pati said that the government is monitoring the situation and collecting data from both government and private hospitals. He said that the health department is conducting fever camps in the affected areas and guiding people to hospitals if required. He appealed to the people to cooperate with the health officials and follow the safety guidelines.

The flu virus can spread through droplets from coughing or sneezing, or by touching contaminated surfaces. Generally, people who suffer from this disease recover within seven days. People with co-morbidities like diabetes, blood pressure, heart disease, cancer should take medicines on the advice of the doctor.

The flu season usually lasts from October to March in India, but it can vary depending on the weather and the type of virus circulating. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that countries monitor the flu activity and update their vaccine composition every year based on the global surveillance data.

Flu virus is a type of virus that causes influenza, a contagious respiratory illness that affects the nose, throat, and lungs. There are four types of flu virus, such as  A, B, C, and D. Influenza A and B viruses cause seasonal epidemics in humans, while influenza C virus causes a mild infection, mainly in children.