No abnormal rise in seasonal influenza cases, situation being monitored on real time basis: Health Ministry

The central government is tracking the seasonal influenza situation closely in a number of states and Union Territories. The development assumes significance as the country witnesses two peaks of the infection, one during the January-March period and the other after the monsoon season, each year since the detection of the first case of Influenza A H1N1 detected in 2009. 

This year, there has been no abnormal rise in the cases of seasonal flu in any part of the country, and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFW) is keeping a close watch on the situation on a real-time basis through the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) network, according to an official statement. 

“As of now, the situation is control and is being monitored by the ministry of Health and Family Welfare for Seasonal and Avian Influenza Viruses,” the ministry said in an update on Monday. 

A video conference under the chairmanship of the Director General of Health Services, held on April 28, to review the current situation of Seasonal Influenza with Maharashtra saw the participation of the Animal Husbandry Commissioner, Officers from ICMR Headquarters, ICMR-NIV Pune, the CSU IDSP, the State Surveillance Unit, the District Surveillance Unit-Nashik, and health officials from Malegaon. The meeting followed various media reports suggesting the detection of avian influenza virus in cattle and milk in various states of the US.

Meanwhile, here are some of the key things to know about seasonal influenza: 

Typically, seasonal influenza cases increase during certain months globally.

Seasonal influenza treatment: Who is most at risk?

Young children and old age individuals with co-morbidities are most vulnerable to seasonal influenza, an acute respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses which circulate in all parts of the world. 

Seasonal influenza: How to prevent it 

The use of proper hygienic practices such as proper boiling of milk and cooking of meat at adequate temperature help in preventing the virus transmission from the product (if the virus is present) to human beings, according to experts. 

Seasonal influenza: Dos and Don’ts 

The health ministry released an infographic containing vital information about the infection. 

Seasonal influenza guidelines

Meanwhile, the MOHFW has provided certain guidelines on the categorszation of patients, treatment protocol, and ventilatory management to the States/UTs which are available on the websites of the ministry (www.mohfw.nic.in) as well as the National Centre for Disease Control (ncdc.gov.in). The National Centre for Disease Control is an institute under the Health Ministry's Indian Directorate General of Health Services.  

The ministry has also advised the state governments on the vaccination of health care workers dealing with H1N1 cases.

Seasonal influenza symptoms

Here are some of the common symptoms of seasonal influenza: 

• Fever: A high fever
• Cough: Persistent coughing
• Sore Throat: Irritation or pain in the throat
• Muscle ache: Body soreness and fatigue
• Headache: Persistent head pain

Seasonal influenza treatment/seasonal influenza vaccine cost 

The WHO has recommended the drug Oseltamivir for the treatment of seasonal influenza. The drug is made available through the Public Health System free of cost, according to a March 10 statement by the ministry.