H1N1 accounts for 98% of tested flu cases in India: What ICMR chief wants people to do
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H1N1 accounts for 98% of tested flu cases in India
Nearly 98% of influenza cases tested in India are H1N1, ICMR chief Rajiv Bahl said, but stressed there is no cause for panic. Hospitalisation remains low, no deaths have been reported and surveillance shows no unusual change in the seasonal flu pattern or emergence of a new strain.
Amid rising cases of Influenza A (H1N1), Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) director- general Dr Rajiv Bahl said that nearly 98 per cent of influenza cases tested across the country were H1N1, adding that hospitalisation rates remain low, and there's no need to panic. Additionally, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) said that it is closely monitoring the prevailing seasonal respiratory illness trends across the country through a robust pan-India surveillance network, in coordination with the Department of Health Research (DHR), ICMR and National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). The statements comes as several states and Union Territories including New Delhhi scaled up medical preparedness and isolation facilities amid rising cases.
Bahl said that severe illness largely restricted to high-risk individuals, ICMR , adding that no deaths had been reported due to influenza. "Our surveillance network has shown that about 98% of the cases that are tested are of H1N1; however, there is no need to panic as there is no shift in the seasonal flu pattern that we normally see. There are two peaks usually— monsoon and winter— and the cases that we are seeing are usual for this time of the year. We haven’t found any trend or pattern out of the usual that should concern us. Having said that, we have to be watchful and follow preventive measures,” Dr Bahl said. ICMR has earlier said the strain wasn’t new and vaccines available were effective against the current strain.
What's ICMR chief's advise for people?
According to a press release by Indian government, Bahl advised the public the following:
- Cover your mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use an appropriate hand sanitiser.
- Stay at home when you are unwell.
- Avoid close contact with others while symptomatic.
- Stay adequately hydrated.
- Get sufficient rest.
- Eat a healthy and balanced diet.
- Seek medical advice if symptoms are severe, persistent or worsening.
- Follow medical advice regarding testing or treatment.
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- Do not panic over the detection of H1N1.
- Do not take antivirals or antibiotics without medical advice.
- Avoid close contact with others while experiencing symptoms.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
- There is currently no urgent need for everyone to get the flu vaccine.
- People aged above 65 and those who are immunocompromised can discuss flu vaccination with their doctors.
- Flu vaccination is currently a WHO recommendation and is not part of India’s National Immunisation Programme, according to Bahl.
