Influenza

This paper pays attention to colonial strategies that were deployed to fight against the influenza pandemic among the Asante of Ghana. It does a comparative analysis of the outbreak and mode of spread of COVID-19 and influenza pandemics in Ghana and Asante, in particular. Based on the theory of lesson-drawing, the authors aimed to ascertain whether the strategies adopted to fight the current COVID-19 pandemic reminisce the earlier strategies deployed during the influenza pandemic of 1918. Based on primary and secondary (...) data, the authors have constructed a history that proffers some insights into the fight against COVID-19. Authors conclude that the various health interventions toward the prevention and control of influenza in Asante during the colonial period were skewed in favor of Europeans and natives who worked within the colonial civil service. This did not support relevant strategies and efforts to reduce the spread of the disease at a faster pace. Despite several efforts made to curtail the spread of the disease, the colonial administration together with traditional authorities encountered challenges of inadequate health personnel, culture conflict ad financial challenges. The role of security agencies and the collaboration between the colonial administration and traditional authorities offer a very significant lesson for confronting the COVID-19 pandemic in Ghana. (shrink)

Influenza virus (H1N1) caused seasonal influenza, is an acute respiratory infection that spreads to whole worldwide. The first case of influenza A virus pandemics in India came to light in May 2009 in Hyderabad city of Telangana. Human-to-human transmission led to considerable morbidity and mortality within the country until December.The total number of seasonal influenza cases in India from the year 2010 to 31st July 2020 is 1,73,488. Decreasing ambient temperature is often associated with influenza weather. The viral particle's ability (...) to survive long term in cold temperatures also plays an important role. Besides, coagulation during winter serves as a co-contributing factor in facilitating the spread of the influenza virus. The environmental temperature leads to physical stress and energy loss due to thermal regulation, which weakens the immune system and thereby increases the host's likelihood of infection. The prevention of epidemics in India was possible only by quick and efficient measures taken by the Government.Soon after cases were registered at Pune, Maharashtra, and other places across the country, steps were taken to revise the guidelines for the control of the disease in India.Classification of cases in health facilities and home environments, classification of cases, providing treatment to appropriate persons, public education, and other appropriate measures proved to be very effective in due course of time. In this paper, we discussed the total cases and mortality due to seasonal influenza virus in the states and union territories in India from the year 2010 to the year 2020. (shrink)