Karnataka Health dept issues guidelines on respiratory illnesses
Dec 03,2023
Bengaluru: The Karnataka Health Department has recently issued a health advisory in response to a noticeable surge in respiratory illnesses. The move comes on the heels of reports highlighting an increase in such cases, particularly among children in China. In their advisory, the health department sought to allay concerns by asserting that the escalation in respiratory illnesses is likely attributed to common causes such as influenza, Mycoplasma Pneumonia, and SARS-CoV-2, among others. They emphasise that there’s no evidence pointing to the involvement of any unusual pathogen.
All health facilities, including private ones, have been instructed to report instances of Influenza-like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) on a designated portal. The emphasis is on prompt reporting and ensuring appropriate sample collection for accurate diagnosis. A crucial aspect highlighted is the vigilant implementation of operational guidelines for revised surveillance strategies related to COVID-19.
District Surveillance Units under District Surveillance Officers (DSOs) are urged to closely monitor trends in ILI and SARI cases. “Any unusual increase is to be reported promptly for swift intervention. Ensuring the availability of an adequate stock of essential medications, including Oseltamivir, and sufficient Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for healthcare workers is underscored. The directive also mandates the compulsory use of face masks by all healthcare workers in both public and private health facilities”, the guidelines said.
Hospitals designated for handling COVID-19 cases, both government and private, are instructed to conduct self-audits. These audits are meant to evaluate critical medical infrastructure, manpower, and the availability of resources such as oxygen beds, ventilators, and medical supplies. The advisory stresses the importance of strengthening community surveillance for early detection of unusual cases and outbreaks. This involves a focus on event-based surveillance through media scanning and indicator-based surveillance through the Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP) reporting.
In cases of SARI deaths with a negative COVID-19 test, a panel of tests, including those for Influenza, SARS-CoV-2, and Adenovirus is recommended. Additionally, Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratories are mandated to report testing data on the designated IHIP portal.
In conjunction with these measures, the health department has also issued an advisory to the general public. This advisory seeks to inform and guide the public on preventive measures and actions to take in case of symptoms.
“The guidelines encourage regular handwashing and covering one’s mouth and nose with a tissue or handkerchief while coughing or sneezing. It is advised to avoid unnecessary visits to crowded places and to use face masks when such visits are unavoidable. Maintaining a basic minimum distance from individuals affected by the flu is also suggested. In case an individual suspects they have influenza or flu-like symptoms, the advisory recommends visiting the nearest government health care centre,” an official said.
The advisory also advises against travelling or going to work or school in such instances, emphasising the use of face masks for protection. Close contact with others should be avoided for at least seven days after symptoms begin. The public is encouraged to report to the nearest government health facility if symptoms worsen. Symptoms of concern include fever, chills, malaise, loss of appetite, body aches, nausea, sneezing, and prolonged dry cough, typically associated with a sudden onset of illness.
The official also added that the advisory strongly cautions against self-medication or taking antibiotics without consulting a doctor. It underscores the importance of appropriately following medical advice.
Source: Healthworld