First case of H3N2 virus in Assam

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The Health Department confirmed the first case of H3N2 influenza virus in Assam on Wednesday.

According to health officials, the disease is self-limiting with symptoms of cough and cold, body ache and fever, etc., and usually resolves within a week or so. However, potential high-risk groups, such as infants, young children, pregnant women, the elderly above the age of 65, and people with comorbidities, might experience more symptomatic illnesses requiring hospitalization.

The officials further said that disease transmission is mostly airborne from person-to-person, through large droplets generated by the act of coughing and sneezing. Other modes of transmission include indirect contact by touching a contaminated object or surface, and close contact (including handshakes).

The guiding principles for treatment are:

Early implementation of infection control precautions helps minimize the nosocomial or household spread of disease.

Prompt treatment is necessary to prevent severe illness and death.

Early identification and follow-up of persons at risk for severe complications of influenza

The Do’s, according to the Health Department, for prevention of the virus, are:

 Wash hands with soap and water frequently.

 If you are feeling symptomatic, wear masks and avoid crowded places.

. Cover your mouth and nose while sneezing and coughing.

 Take paracetamol for fever and body ache as per health workers advice.

The don’ts are:

 Don’t touch eyes and nose as far as practicable.

 Don’t shake hands or use other contact greetings.

 Don’t spit in public.

 Don’t take antibiotics or other medicines without consulting a doctor.

The official said that sufficient stocks of test kits, medicines, and consumables for diagnosis and case management have been maintained in all health facilities, including medical colleges.

The Health Department officials also said their department is keeping a close watch on the evolving seasonal influenza situation across the state through the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) network on a real-time basis.

Seasonal influenza is an acute respiratory tract infection caused by 4 distinct influenza types (A, B, C, and D) belonging to the Orthomyxoviridae family.

ANI adds: The Union Health Ministry has prescribed oseltamivir, the drug recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for curing the infection. “The drug is made available through the public health system free of charge. The government has allowed the sale of oseltamivir under Schedule H1 of the Drug and Cosmetic Act in February 2017 for wider accessibility and availability,” it said.

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