In response to increased respiratory illnesses among children in China, the health department of Karnataka government has heightened surveillance over its statewide healthcare infrastructure. They have urged the general public to remain vigilant about the seasonal flu virus.
The action follows an advisory from the Union Ministry of Health to all states, urging them to assess their readiness in case such incidents escalate within India.
The office of the Commissioner of Health and Family Welfare Services in Karnataka stated on Tuesday that after considering recent media reports regarding a rise in respiratory illnesses among children in China and the World Health Organization’s statement on these cases, it has been confirmed that the upsurge in respiratory illness among children is linked to typical causes such as influenza, mycoplasma pneumonia, SARS-CoV-2, and not due to any other uncommon pathogen.
Communications from the health department to all districts and the general public emphasized that the Director General of Health Services, operating under the Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, has instructed proactive assessment of public health and hospital readiness. This directive aims to ensure the implementation of all preventive and control measures as a precautionary measure.
The district health officials have been directed to enforce mandatory mask-wearing for healthcare workers at all healthcare facilities. Additionally, state hospitals previously engaged in COVID-19 care have been instructed to assess their readiness concerning beds, oxygen supply, ventilators, PPE kits, and other essential resources.
The communication specifies that all severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) cases with negative COVID-19 test results should undergo testing at the nearest Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (VRDL) facility.
The statement highlighted that seasonal flu is a contagious illness transmitted through coughing, sneezing, or contact with droplets. It typically resolves within five to seven days, resulting in low morbidity and mortality rates.
Vulnerable populations, including infants, the elderly, pregnant women, immunocompromised individuals, and those on long-term medications—especially steroids—may require hospitalization due to the flu.
Common symptoms of this disease encompass fever, chills, reduced appetite, muscle pain, nausea, sneezing, and a persistent dry cough, lasting several days. In high-risk groups, these symptoms can persist for up to three weeks.
To prevent the spread of the flu, the health communique advised frequent handwashing, covering the mouth while sneezing, avoiding crowded places, and staying home upon recognizing early flu symptoms. These precautions were recommended by the Karnataka State Health Department to help people protect themselves from contracting the illness.
