Karnataka health department on alert after surge in respiratory illnesses in China; issues advisory

The Karnataka health department issued an advisory after a surge in respiratory illnesses in China, and prescribed guidelines to curb the spread of infection.

As respiratory illnesses surge among children in China, the Karnataka health department on Tuesday issued an advisory to the public to take precautions and avoid diseases that are communicable through air.

The department warned that infants, the elderly, pregnant women, the immunocompromised and those taking long-term medications are more at risk of infection. (For representation)

“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, etc and not due to any other unusual pathogen,” the department noted in the advisory.

Seasonal flu is an infectious disease that spreads from person to person through the cough or sneeze of a person with the flu, or through contact with droplets. This self-limiting disease lasts for 5-7 days and causes low morbidity and mortality, the advisory added.

The department warned that infants, the elderly, pregnant women, the immunocompromised and those taking long-term medications, particularly steroids, are more at risk of infection and would require hospitalization.

What are the symptoms of this Influenza-like respiratory illness?

1. Fever
2. Chills
3. Malaise (a general feeling of discomfort)
4. Loss of appetite
5. Myalgia (pain in muscles)
6. Nausea
7. Sneezing
8. Dry cough

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What are some do's and dont's for prevention and control?

1. Cover your mouth and nose with a handkerchief or tissue when you cough or sneeze.
2. Wash your hands often with soap and water.
3. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth unnecessarily.
4. Avoid visiting crowded places and if visiting such places use a face mask.
5. Maintain basic minimum distance from persons affected with flu.
6. Sleep adequately, be physically active and deal with stress effectively.
7. Drink plenty of water and eat nutritious food.
8. Avoid spitting in public.
9. Avoid travel to places with high incidence of Influenza and other respiratory illnesses.