Dimapur, December 21 (MExN): The Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Nagaland has issued an advisory regarding Covid-19, seasonal flu and respiratory illness.
The Health Department’s notice said that 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(JN.1), etc and not due to any other unusual pathogen. Additionally, this is also in taking account of the rise of Covid-19 cases attributed to the Variant of Interest, JN.1, it informed.
It stated that seasonal flu is an infectious disease that spreads from person to person through cough, sneezing of a person with the flu, or through contact with droplets.
“This self-limiting disease that lasts for 5-7 days and causes low morbidity and mortality. At risk populations include infants, the elderly, pregnant women, immune compromised and those taking long-term medications, particularly steroids may require hospitalization,” the department said.
Fever, chills, malaise, loss of appetite, myalgia, nausea, sneezing and dry cough lasting several days and sudden onset of malaise are common symptoms of this disease which may last up to 3 weeks in high-risk populations.
In this regard, the department has issued a list of Dos and Donts for prevention and control of Influenza and other such respiratory illnesses.
Dos and Donts:
• Wear mask or Cover your mouth and nose with a handkerchief or tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• Persons above 60 years, persons with comorbid conditions, other health issues, pregnant women, elderly are advised to wear mask as it not only protects from Covid19, Flu but other respiratory illnesses.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth unnecessarily.
• Avoid visiting crowded places and if visiting such places use a facemask.
• Maintain basic minimum distance from persons affected with flu.
• Sleep adequately, be physically active and deal with stress effectively.
• Drink plenty of water and eat nutritious food.
• Avoid spitting in public.
• Avoid travel to places with high incidence of Influenza and other respiratory illnesses.
What to do with if you exhibit symptoms:
• Visit the nearest Government Health Care Centre if the Influenza Like Illness (ILI) occurs.
• Stay at home, do not travel or go to work or school; use face mask for protection.
• Avoid close contact with others for at least 7 days after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer.
• Report to nearest Government Health facility if symptoms aggravate; the symptoms being fever, chills, malaise, loss of appetite, body aches, nausea, sneezing and prolonged dry cough typically in connection with a sudden onset of illness.
• The high risk population may experience the symptoms up to 3 weeks.
• Do not self medicate or take medicines/antibiotics without consulting your doctor, and follow the medical advice appropriately.
