Bhubaneswar: Odisha Health Secretary Shalini Pandit today instructed the health administration in the districts to remain vigilant and further intensify surveillance of Influenza Like Illnesses and Severe Acute Respiratory Illnesses (ILIs/SARIs) at the health facility level and community level.
Pandit has emphasized on raising community awareness on personal hygiene and avoiding crowded places.
A note issued by the Health Secretary to the health administration in the districts stated that the Influenza virus is a common seasonal virus giving rise to fever, cough and running nose.
In persons with co-morbidity conditions, elderly, and immuno-compromised persons it may give rise to complications of respiratory in nature. As much as 90% of the persons recover by themselves as this viral illness is self-limiting in nature. Although 10% of cases having ILI and SARI symptoms may develop breathing difficulties and a persistent cough which needs drugs.
H1N1 and H3N2 are subtypes of the Influenza A virus. It’s common flu virus quite common in children and the elderly from Dec to March.
The note said 30 DPHLs are continuously monitoring the trend of ILI and SARI cases by testing samples regularly in our 23 RTPCR labs and DPHLs. The 30 DPHLs are doing H1N1 testing on regular basis. Each of them has the requisite infrastructure and lab logistics to conduct the tests if a surge is seen in the near future.
Most of the illnesses are mild and self-limiting. Hand washing, personal hygiene and avoiding crowded places are the key measures to be followed as done earlier.
District IDSP units are in readiness and constantly monitoring the situation. Labs are kept in readiness to handle the surge of cases that occur if any.
Samples of ILI and SARI cases are being continuously tested for the detection of Covid cases in the State.
Mask to be used by immuno-compromised and persons suffering from flu-like symptoms.
Districts are instructed to be vigilant and step up ILI and SARI surveillance at the Health facility level and community level.
