Gurgaon: Amid a sharp rise in H1N1 cases in neighbouring Delhi, Haryana govt has stepped up influenza preparedness.The state govt has directed health facilities to test 100% of patients with severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) for influenza and at least 5% of those reporting with influenza-like illness (ILI).Hospitals have also been directed to keep ventilator support and critical-care facilities ready for patients who develop severe illness.Govt hospitals have been asked to maintain adequate stocks of essential medicines, including oseltamivir, along with PPE kits, N95 masks and other infection-control supplies.Delhi has reported 1,777 H1N1 cases so far this year, up sharply from 229 during the corresponding period last year, according to data reported from National Centre for Disease Control.The rise has also been accompanied by increased hospital visits for fever, cough and cold-like symptoms in the capital and wider NCR.Haryana health minister Arti Singh Rao said, “The state had strengthened surveillance, testing, treatment and infection-control arrangements ahead of the flu season.”On her directions, director general health services (DGHS) has issued a detailed advisory to all civil surgeons and directors of medical colleges, asking them to ensure adequate availability of medicines, testing facilities, infection-control supplies and critical-care resources.Under the preparedness measures, at least 5% of patients presenting with ILI symptoms will undergo influenza testing, while every patient suffering from SARI will be tested.Dedicated flu corners have also been directed to remain operational at health centres and hospitals across the state.Patients reporting with fever, cold, cough, sore throat or other flu-like symptoms will undergo preliminary screening at these facilities for early identification and timely testing and treatment.Human resources, equipment and other essential arrangements will be reviewed regularly to ensure there are no delays in treatment.Private hospitals and Indian Medical Association will also be involved in influenza surveillance. Private healthcare institutions have been directed to update information on flu cases on the IDSP-IHIP portal in a timely manner, allowing authorities to track the situation across the state.Healthcare workers have been instructed to maintain hand hygiene and comply with infection-control protocols. Those experiencing cold, cough or flu-like symptoms have been advised to wear face masks to prevent transmission.The health department will undertake IEC and public-awareness campaigns to educate people about influenza symptoms, preventive measures and the importance of seeking timely medical advice.Rao appealed to people not to ignore fever, cough, sore throat, breathing difficulty or other flu-like symptoms and advised them to seek medical advice at the nearest health centre or hospital instead of resorting to self-medication.
