Kohima, March 13 (MTNews): Between 1 January and 10 March, 2023 in Nagaland, 723 cases of Acute Respiratory Infections/Influenza-like Illnesses (ILI) and 37 cases of Severe Acute Respiratory Illnesses (SARI) have been reported, according to Integrated Disease Surveillance Program (IDSP) of the Department of Health & Family Welfare, Nagaland.
Amid the rising cases of ILI and SARI, commonly referred to as seasonal flu, the department informed that these reported cases have not been laboratory confirmed but it is undertaking real-time surveillance of cases of Influenza and Severe Acute Respiratory Infections.
The Department said it is also keeping a close watch on all hospital admissions with breathing difficulties.
According to the department, 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.
“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 comorbidities as well as pregnant women may suffer from more severe manifestation of these diseases requiring hospitalization,” it stated.
The State Health department further advised that to limit transmission of these diseases, one needs to maintain respiratory and hand hygiene, early reporting of symptoms to healthcare workers to initiate early care and treatment, and limit contact with those people who are suffering from respiratory illness.
Dos and Don’ts for infection prevention and control:
Dos
· Wash hands with soap and water
· Wear masks and avoid crowded places
· Cover nose and mouth while sneezing
· Take plenty of fluids
· Take Paracetamol for fever and body ache
Don’ts
· Shake hands or use contact greetings
· Spit in public
· Take antibiotics or other medicines without consulting doctors
· Eat together sitting close to others