The advisory emphasises that the rise in cases is due to common pathogens like influenza, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and SARS-CoV-2.
Published Nov 28, 2023 | 11:33 PM ⚊ Updated Nov 28, 2023 | 11:58 PM
The advisory also contained Dos and Don'ts of dealing with seasonal flu. (Supplied)
In response to recent reports of an increase in respiratory illnesses among children in China and subsequent WHO statements, health authorities in Karnataka have released an advisory to the general public regarding Influenza and other respiratory diseases.
The advisory emphasised that the rise in cases was due to common pathogens like influenza, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and SARS-CoV-2, rather than any unusual new pathogen.
Seasonal flu, a key concern in the advisory, is an infectious disease that typically lasts five to seven days and is known for its low morbidity and mortality rates.
However, it poses a higher risk to infants, the elderly, pregnant women, the immunocompromised, and those on long-term medications such as steroids, who may require hospitalisation.
Advisory to public. (Supplied)
The advisory by the Commissioner of Health and Family Welfare listed the common symptoms for the public to understand the illness better.
The symptoms include fever, chills, malaise, loss of appetite, myalgia, nausea, sneezing, and a dry cough that can last up to three weeks in high-risk groups.
To combat the spread of influenza and similar illnesses, the advisory lists several dos and don’ts.
These include covering the mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing, frequent hand washing, avoiding unnecessary touching of the face, and using face masks in crowded places.
Like during the Covid-19 pandemic, the advisory suggests maintaining a safe distance from affected individuals and following good health practices like adequate sleep, physical activity, stress management, staying hydrated, and eating nutritious food.
The public is also advised against spitting in public places and travelling to areas with high incidences of respiratory illnesses.
For those who suspect that they might have the flu, the advisory recommended visiting the nearest government healthcare centre, staying home from work or school, using a face mask, avoiding close contact with others, and not self-medicating without consulting a doctor.
The advisory on seasonal flu is part of a concerted effort to inform the public and prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses during this period.
Meanwhile, following the advisory by the director general of health services under the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the Karnataka Health Department has called for a proactive review of public health and hospital preparedness.
Another advisory sent to all district hospitals said, “In an effort to ensure extreme caution, all District Health Officers have been instructed to monitor key activities in their districts.”
The advisory stated that district health officers (DHOs) should ensure that all health facilities, both in the Health and Medical Education Departments and the private sector, report influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) cases on the IDSP-IHIP portal. This includes appropriate sample collection for diagnosis.
Meanwhile, teams have been asked to monitor the implementation of operational guidelines for revised surveillance strategy in the context of Covid-19, which has been previously shared.
District Surveillance Units under District Surveillance Officers (DSOs) have been asked to closely monitor the trend of ILI and SARI cases, and report any unusual increases immediately.
They are also expected to ensure the availability of sufficient stock of Oseltamivir and other essential drugs for treatment, along with adequate stocks of personal protective equipment (PPE) for healthcare workers at all facilities.
Compulsory wearing of face masks by all healthcare workers at healthcare facilities, both public and private, should be followed.
Also, hospitals designated for handling Covid-19 cases, both government and private, are to self-audit and conduct drills to evaluate readiness in terms of critical medical infrastructure and resources. This includes readiness for a public health emergency, particularly in handling pneumonia cases in children and the elderly.
While the advisory asked to enhance community surveillance for early detection of unusual case presentations, clusters/outbreaks, and mortality, the department has asked for focus on event-based surveillance through media scanning and indicator-based surveillance through IHIP reporting.
Also, all SARI death cases with negative Covid test results should be subjected to a panel of tests at the nearest Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (VRDL), including tests for influenza, SARS-CoV-2, and adenovirus.
Meanwhile, all VRDLs must mandatorily report testing data on the IHIP portal.
