Kohima, 20 March (MTNews): In the backdrop of media reports on rising cases of the new variant of COVID-19 (XBB 1.16) and also Influenza H3N2 in the country, the Nagaland Department of Health & Family Welfare through a press release has reminded the importance of limiting and reducing transmission of Respiratory Tract Infections.
Factors such as inadequate personal hygiene, sneezing and coughing without protection in close proximity of other people, closed door gathering which all contribute to increased transmission of viral respiratory pathogens like Influenza A (H1N1, H3N2, etc.) including COVID-19 were highlighted.
The department further stated that while most of these pathogens typically cause mild and often self-limiting illnesses manifesting as acute respiratory infections with fever and cough, the elderly, young children, people with obesity and other comorbidities, pregnant women, and those with chronic diseases may suffer from more severe manifestations of these diseases requiring hospitalization.
Therefore, in order to limit transmission of these diseases, the department recommended following respiratory and hand hygiene practices such as covering one’s mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, avoiding spitting in public places, wearing masks in crowded environments, and frequent hand washing.
The department has also urged early reporting of symptoms to healthcare workers to initiate early care and treatment and to limit contact with people suffering from respiratory illnesses and encouraged the public to come forward for testing of those people exhibiting signs and symptoms of respiratory tract infections.
With regard to the XBB 1.16 variant of Covid-19, the department informed that detection is done through Genome Sequencing of a Positive Covid-19 sample. The last positive case reported in Nagaland was on 11 February, 2023 and the need for sending samples for genome sequencing did not arise, it said. However, the Department informed the public that surveillance has been intensified and that all the Rapid Response Teams has been put on alert.
Furthermore, despite the rising trend of respiratory tract infections including H3N2 and Covid-19, the department informed that there is no report of increased severity and requested the public to be vigilant and not panic.
DOs and Don’ts for Infection Prevention and Control:
Dos
1. Wash hands with soap and water
2. Wear masks and avoid crowded places
3. Cover mouth and nose while sneezing
4. Avoid touching eyes and nose
5. Take plenty of fluids
6. Take Paracetamol for fever and body ache
Don’ts
1. Shake hands or use contact greetings
2. Spit in public
3. Take antibiotics or other medicines without consulting a doctor
4. Eat together sitting close to others