Bhubaneswar: Rising cases of H3N2 infections in Odisha are a matter of concern for the Odisha Health and Family Welfare Department.
Keeping this in view, the Odisha Health Director Dr Niranjan Mishra on Monday issued an alert via an official letter to all the Chief District Medical Officers (CDMOs) and the director of Capital Hospital in Bhubaneswar.
According to the letter, Covid cases are knocking on the door yet again owing to the sudden rise in the number of viral infection cases. The letter makes Covid testing mandatory for people suffering from symptoms of cold and cough.
The Health Director said that the state Health Department is intensifying surveillance to check the rise in infectious diseases like H3N2. At the same time, the letter instructs the concerned authorities to stock enough medical oxygen cylinders and make arrangements for ICU beds. “There is no particular medicine or treatment for influenza,” the Health Director wrote in the letter.
Dr Niranjan Mishra further wrote people having fever, cold or cough need not panic as they will run their course and recover. However, he cautioned that in case anyone has the symptoms, they should seek isolation, wear masks and wash their hands regularly.
The Director further urged that even if the symptoms do not go away self-medication is always discouraged. It is important to consult a physician and get admitted to a hospital if advised.
