On Monday, the Directorate of Medical Health and Family Welfare issued an advisory to prevent and control respiratory diseases, including seasonal influenza and human metapneumovirus (HMPV), which is spreading globally, according to an official release. The advisory highlighted precautionary measures, readiness in healthcare facilities, and public awareness to tackle the increased transmission risk during winter months. An official statement was sent to all district magistrates and chief medical officers stating that the human metapneumovirus (HMPV) respiratory disease is currently spreading worldwide and, like other respiratory illnesses, tends to appear more during the winter season with symptoms similar to the common cold and flu. However, no HMPV cases have been reported in Uttarakhand so far.
In the winter, the chances of spreading respiratory diseases like seasonal flu (H1N1, H3N2), influenza-like illness (ILI), and severe acute respiratory illness (SARI) increase. Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) shows symptoms similar to the common cold and usually clears up within 3 to 5 days. Therefore, there is no need for panic or spreading false information about this illness, according to the release. As a precautionary measure, it is mandatory to adhere to the following guidelines to prevent and protect against winter-related respiratory diseases, including HMPV.
Hospitals are required to ensure the availability of adequate isolation beds or wards, oxygen beds, ICU beds, ventilators, and oxygen cylinders for the treatment of influenza and pneumonia patients. Additionally, they must maintain a sufficient stock of essential medicines and materials, such as PPE kits, N-95 masks, and VTM vials, while ensuring an adequate number of doctors and nursing staff at all healthcare facilities, from medical colleges to primary health centers.
Patients exhibiting symptoms of Influenza-like Illness (ILI) or Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) should be closely monitored at both the hospital and community levels. Furthermore, it is mandatory to enter the details of these patients into the Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP) portal under the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP).
If clusters of ILI or SARI cases are identified in a community, testing facilities should be quickly set up at those locations, and immediate control and prevention actions should be implemented. The Rapid Response Team, formed under the IDSP program, is tasked with continuously monitoring any unusual incidents related to influenza or pneumonia and taking prompt action to address them. The official statement has outlined guidelines to prevent respiratory illnesses, including the human metapneumovirus (HMPV).
The significance of extensive publicity across different platforms to enhance public awareness about preventing the spread of influenza and pneumonia-related diseases. The guidelines emphasize extra care for children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions. Individuals are encouraged to use a handkerchief or tissue to cover their nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing and to stay away from crowded areas.
It is essential to keep your hands clean with soap and water, as well as to drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious foods. Individuals with symptoms like a cold, cough, or fever should consult a doctor and only take medications as directed. Symptomatic people should stay away from healthy individuals to avoid spreading the illness. They also mention behaviors to steer clear of.
It warns against reusing tissues or handkerchiefs and advises avoiding handshakes or close contact with symptomatic individuals. It emphasizes not taking medication without a doctor's advice and avoiding frequent touching of the eyes, nose, and mouth. Additionally, spitting in public places should be avoided to reduce the risk of infection.