Amid rising cases of Influenza-like illnesses and Severe Acute Respiratory Illnesses (SARI), commonly referred to as seasonal flu, the Integrated Disease Surveillance Program (IDSP/IHIP) of the department of Health & Family Welfare is undertaking real-time surveillance of cases.
Between the period from 1 January to 10 March 2023, there were 723 reported cases of Influenza-like illness (ILI)and 37 cases of SARI but no deaths have been reported due to ILI or SARI during this time period, a press release informed.
A close watch is also kept on all hospital admissions with breathing difficulties. Additionally, the state has not reported any confirmed cases of COVID-19 for the last 5 weeks. The last reported case of COVID-19 was on 11 February 2023.
Factors such as inadequate attention to personal hygiene, sneezing and coughing without protection in close proximity of other people, closed-door gatherings, etc., contribute to increased transmission of viral respiratory pathogens like Influenza A (H1N1, H3N2, etc.) including COVID-19, it informed.
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While most of these pathogens typically cause mild and often self-limiting illness manifesting as acute respiratory infection with fever and cough, in some cases, particularly amongst young children, old age people, people with obesity and other co-morbidities as well as pregnant women may suffer from more severe manifestation of these diseases requiring hospitalisation.
Ways to limit transmission
1.Respiratory and hand hygiene
- Covering one’s mouth and nose with tissue/handkerchief/elbow when coughing or sneezing.
- Avoiding spitting in public places.
- Use of masks in crowded environments.
- Frequent hand washing.
2.Early reporting of symptoms to Health Care Workers to initiate early care and treatment.
3.Limiting contact of those people who are suffering from respiratory illness.
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