The Indian government has taken notice of the increasing prevalence of Influenza-like illnesses (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory illnesses (SARI) in some parts of the country. The Centre has written a letter to all States and Union Territories, urging them to take preventive measures and follow operational guidelines for integrated surveillance of respiratory pathogens that present as cases of influenza-like illness or severe acute respiratory infection.
The Union Health Secretary, Rajesh Bhushan, has requested states and UTs to raise community awareness regarding the importance of adherence to respiratory and hand hygiene, and the necessity of promoting early reporting of symptoms to limit the transmission of these diseases. In addition, states have been requested to take a stock of hospital preparedness, including the availability of drugs and medical oxygen, and vaccination coverage against COVID-19 and influenza.
The Health Secretary has urged state and District Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme units to closely monitor the trends of influenza-like illness cases and refer sufficient numbers of samples for testing for Influenza, SARS-CoV-2, and Adenovirus.
It is important to note that ILI and SARI are respiratory illnesses that have symptoms similar to those of COVID-19, such as fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Therefore, it is crucial to identify these illnesses early on to limit their spread.
In light of this, the Health Secretary has emphasized the need for states and UTs to take all necessary measures to prevent the spread of these illnesses, including conducting community-based surveillance, increasing awareness among the general public, and ensuring adequate availability of medicines and medical oxygen.
The government’s advisory is timely, given that the country is still grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic. With the rising trend in cases of ILI and SARI, it is imperative to take immediate steps to prevent the spread of these illnesses, as they can pose a serious threat to public health.
Therefore, it is essential that everyone follows the operational guidelines and takes necessary precautions, including maintaining personal hygiene, wearing masks, avoiding crowded places, and getting vaccinated against COVID-19 and influenza. The public must be vigilant and report any symptoms to the nearest health facility to receive prompt medical attention.
In conclusion, the Indian government’s advisory to all states and UTs is a timely reminder of the importance of preventive measures in limiting the spread of respiratory illnesses. The guidelines must be followed strictly to protect public health and prevent the emergence of a potential public health crisis.
