Following spike in respiratory illnesses in China, Karnataka health department issues advisory

The Karnataka health department issued an advisory with suggestions for stopping the spread of infection after a spike in respiratory illnesses was reported in China.

The Center also advised States and Union Territories to review hospital preparedness and public health measures right away as respiratory illnesses surge among children in China, so the Karnataka health department issued an advisory to the public to take precautions and avoid diseases that are communicable through air.

“In view of the recent media reports of surge in respiratory illness among children in China and taking note of the WHO statement on these reported cases, the increase in respiratory illness among children is attributed to usual causes like Influenza, Mycoplasma pneumonia, SARS-CoV-2, etc and not due to any other unusual pathogen,” the department’s advisory.

The department added,”Seasonal flu is an infectious disease that spreads from person to person through the cough or sneeze of a person with the flu, or through contact with droplets.”

• This self-limiting disease lasts for 5-7 days and causes low morbidity and mortality. At risk populations include infants, the elderly, pregnant women, immunocompromised and those taking long term medication particularly steroids would require hospitalization.
• Symptoms of Influenza-like respiratory illness which may last up to 3 weeks in high risks- population are as follows:

1. Fever
2. Chills
3. Malaise (a general feeling of discomfort)
4. Loss of appetite
5. Myalgia (pain in muscles)
6. Nausea
7. Sneezing
8. Dry cough

 Do’s and Dont’s to control diseases

1. Cover your mouth and nose with a handkerchief or tissue when you cough or sneeze.
2. Wash your hands often with soap and water.
3. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth unnecessarily.
4. Avoid visiting crowded places and if visiting such places use a face mask.
5. Maintain basic minimum distance from persons affected with flu.
6. Sleep adequately, be physically active and deal with stress effectively.
7. Drink plenty of water and eat nutritious food.
8. Avoid spitting in public.
9. Avoid travel to places with high incidence of Influenza and other respiratory illnesses.

If anybody feels that they have influenza, some precautions are to be followed at the early stage:

1. Visit the nearest Health care centre
2. Stay at home, do not travel or go for work or school etc.
3. Use face mask
4. Avoid close contact
5. Do not take medicine without doctor’s consultation

The Union Health Ministry had earlier stated that it is closely monitoring the situation and that, as of right now, there is nothing particularly alarming to report in its advisory on Sunday.