Seasonal changes are not limited to shifts in weather alone; they also have a direct impact on human health. With a rise in seasonal flu cases being reported across the state, the Health Department has
issued strict guidelines to hospitals and health authorities for the safety and security of the citizens.
The department has warned that the risk of seasonal flu typically increases from December and January through March. In view of this, hospitals have been instructed to take precautionary measures and remain prepared for the forthcoming changes in health.
What Is Seasonal Flu?
Seasonal flu is a contagious infection that spreads through respiratory droplets or saliva from infected individuals. This condition has prompted the state health authorities to stress vigilance and preventive care.
Children, senior citizens, pregnant women and patients with comorbidities are considered high-risk groups and have been advised to exercise extra caution during the changing season.
Common symptoms of seasonal flu include fever, cough, sore throat, loss of appetite, body aches, cold and dry cough. The illness generally lasts between one and three weeks. All district health officers have been directed to take necessary action to manage and monitor cases effectively.
What Do The Health Department Guidelines Say?
- Pay close attention to ILI (Influenza-like Illness) and SARI (Severe Acute Respiratory Infection) cases
- Test at least five ILI cases and 100 SARI cases daily
- Ensure the availability of adequate testing kits in all laboratories
- Maintain a sufficient stock of essential medicines
- Stock PPE kits, N95 masks and other necessary medical supplies
- Store oseltamivir tablets and prescribe them as required
- Advise healthcare workers, pregnant women and high-risk patients to take appropriate vaccination
Clinical Management And Preparedness
- Ensure readiness of ventilators and critical care facilities
- Strengthen community awareness initiatives
- Conduct real-time monitoring of cases (Reported by: Ashish Mulki, News18 Kannada, Bengaluru)
