Varanasi: Amid a rise in seasonal influenza A (H1N1) cases across the country, the UP Health department has intensified surveillance and preparedness measures across the state.India has reported 31,478 laboratory-confirmed influenza cases, including 551 cases from UP. The infection has been reported from 57 districts of the state, with Gautam Buddh Nagar, Lucknow, Meerut and Ghaziabad recording the highest number of cases. Varanasi has reported four confirmed H1N1 cases so far, with all the patients in stable condition. Chief Medical Officer Dr NP Singh said the figures were based on a report issued by the Directorate General of Health Services till August 25.According to govt medical officer and CPR expert Dr Shivshakti Prasad Dwivedi, H1N1 is a seasonal form of Influenza A that primarily spreads through respiratory droplets released while coughing or sneezing. Common symptoms include fever, cough, cold, sore throat, headache, body ache and redness of the eyes.Doctors cautioned that senior citizens, pregnant women, young children, healthcare workers and people suffering from heart, lung, kidney or liver diseases, diabetes, cancer or weakened immunity are at greater risk of developing complications.Patients are assessed according to the severity of their symptoms. Category A includes mild fever, cough or sore throat and is generally managed through home isolation and medical follow-up within 24 to 48 hours.Category B includes high fever, severe sore throat or patients belonging to high-risk groups. Such patients require medical supervision, with Oseltamivir prescribed as advised by a physician.Category C includes severe symptoms such as breathlessness, chest pain, low blood pressure, blood-stained sputum or loss of consciousness. Patients falling in this category require immediate hospitalisation and appropriate treatment.Doctors said Category B and C patients may require a five-day course of Oseltamivir as per medical advice and applicable health guidelines. Preventive medication for eligible close contacts may also be considered in accordance with government protocols.Following govt directions, both govt and private hospitals are being prepared to manage influenza cases effectively. Preparedness measures include SARI testing for influenza, dedicated respiratory OPDs in districts reporting higher numbers of cases, daily reporting of ILI/SARI cases and ensuring adequate availability of Oseltamivir and respiratory-support equipment.Arrangements for oxygen plants, oxygen concentrators, cylinders and nebulisers are also being ensured. Officials said all necessary preparedness measures have been completed in Varanasi as well.Doctors appealed to citizens to cover their mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing, wear masks when appropriate, wash their hands regularly with soap or use hand sanitiser, avoid unnecessary crowding and maintain cleanliness of frequently touched surfaces.People were urged not to panic and advised to contact the nearest govt health facility without delay if they develop influenza-like symptoms. Doctors said early identification, timely medical consultation and appropriate treatment are the most effective safeguards against complications from H1N1. Public awareness and responsible preventive behaviour can also help reduce the risk of transmission.
