Bacteria and viruses can proliferate during the monsoon season. What appears to be a viral fever or common cold may actually be a sign of something more serious.
An additional issue that arises as the monsoon clouds roll in and provide a much-needed break from the heat is the increased danger of illness. Although a lot of us write off the flu during the rainy season as a result of the weather, this can be risky. In India, many infections thrive during the monsoon season, and one of the most frequently misdiagnosed diseases is the flu. Antibiotics and other over-the-counter treatments are frequently used to treat minor colds and fevers, which can actually make the condition worse.
High humidity and pathogens accompany the start of the monsoon, which makes it ideal for the spread of bacteria and viruses. Flu-like symptoms are frequently mistaken for the seasonal bug or a common cold. More serious complications may arise as a result of this delay in recognizing the illness.
“Infections caused by respiratory viruses such as Influenza A (H1N1), H3N2, SARS-CoV2, and RSV can be severe, especially for those with compromised immune systems or pre-existing conditions like asthma, diabetes, and heart disease,” states Dr. Mahua Kapoor Dasgupta, Director of Medical Affairs (Infectious Diseases) at HaystackAnalytics.
Self-Treatment and Antibiotic Resistance Increase the Chance of Misdiagnosis
Many people choose to self-medicate in an attempt to feel better, frequently reaching for antibiotics at the first hint of a cold or fever. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing issue that has been exacerbated by the overuse of antibiotics, according to Dr. Dasgupta. Drug-resistant infections are thought to be the cause of 5 million deaths per year, making AMR one of the top ten global health threats, according to the WHO.
Overuse of antibiotics speeds up the emergence of germs resistant to them, making it more challenging to treat diseases in the future. Even worse, the symptoms may worsen and lead to problems like organ failure or pneumonia, necessitating hospital stays that could have been prevented with a quicker, more precise diagnosis and the right care,” Dr. Dasgupta continues.
The Role of Genomics in the Diagnosis of Flu
Physicians may make data-driven treatment decisions and move past broad-spectrum antibiotics with the aid of NGS-based diagnostic testing. These tests enable tailored treatment by clearly identifying the pathogens—whether bacterial, fungal, or viral—that are at play.
