Dr Faisal says current influenza wave causing sharp drop in platelets

The current influenza wave is causing a severe drop in platelets, the blood component that helps clotting, pediatrician Dr Ahmed Faisal said Tuesday.

Platelets are blood cells that stop bleeding and prevent excessive blood loss. A healthy person normally has between 150,000 and 450,000 platelets.

Health experts say anyone with fewer than 50,000 platelets should receive emergency care.

Dr Faisal told Sun that platelet levels, which also fall during common viral fever, drop sharply in both dengue and influenza.

Because of this, patients may experience bone pain, heavier menstrual bleeding, and bleeding from the throat or nose.

However, he said there is no benefit in trying to artificially raise platelet levels. Even if platelets increase, the fever will not subside, as viral illnesses resolve on their own.

“Even with dengue, the fever does not go down even if the platelet count is high. The component goes up and down on its own,” Faisal said.

He advised people to rest well and drink plenty of fluids to recover. If that is difficult, he said they should consult a doctor and take an IV.

Platelet levels usually return to normal within a few days. Dengue, however, takes longer to recover from, he added.

He said it is important to be cautious during the current flu season and rainy weather.

In July, 212 people were tested for influenza and 33 tested positive. In June, 451 were tested and 142 were positive.

According to the latest figures released by HPA last month, 2,945 people have been tested for influenza so far this year, of whom 1,043 have tested positive.