Una, August 26: The Health Department is raising public awareness about preventing Swine Flu and seasonal influenza. Surveillance and necessary preparedness measures have been strengthened at health institutions to prevent the spread of infection. Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr. Sanjeev Verma has urged the public to maintain personal hygiene, adopt preventive measures, and seek timely medical consultation if flu-like symptoms appear.
Dr. Verma explained that Swine Flu is an infection caused by the H1N1 strain of the Influenza A virus. The infection can spread from an infected person to others through droplets released during coughing, sneezing, or spitting. He stated that caution and timely treatment can help prevent the infection from becoming severe.
**Stay alert if you experience high fever, cough, and body aches**
Dr. Verma noted that Swine Flu symptoms can resemble those of a common viral fever. These include high fever, cough, phlegm, body aches, extreme fatigue, chills, and shivering. Persistent sneezing, severe headache, chest heaviness, and difficulty breathing can also be symptoms. He emphasized that flu-like symptoms should not be dismissed as a mere viral fever; instead, one should seek prompt medical advice.
He mentioned that the risk of infection is higher among children under five years of age, pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals suffering from conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, as well as those with compromised immunity. Such individuals should exercise extra caution if they exhibit flu-like symptoms.
**Simple precautions help prevent infection**
The CMO advised covering the mouth and nose with a clean handkerchief or tissue while coughing or sneezing. Used handkerchiefs and clothes should be thoroughly washed and dried in the sun before being reused. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water and avoid frequently touching the eyes, nose, and mouth.
He advised against visiting schools, offices, or other public places if experiencing flu-like symptoms. To prevent the spread of infection, maintain a distance of at least one meter from others and avoid physical contact or shaking hands when symptomatic. Patients are also advised to get adequate rest and stay hydrated.
**Robust Preparedness in Health Institutions**
Strengthening surveillance for seasonal influenza across the state, the National Health Mission has directed all health institutions to monitor and submit daily reports on patients with flu-like symptoms and cases of severe respiratory infection. Hospitals have been instructed to maintain adequate stocks of essential supplies—including medicines, testing kits, VTMs, PPE kits, and N-95 masks—and to ensure the availability of beds and ventilators for critically ill patients.
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the state government is placing special emphasis on strengthening health services and providing better healthcare facilities to the public. Monitoring cases, ensuring timely detection and treatment, and making necessary arrangements in hospitals are all part of these ongoing efforts.
**Awareness to Dispel Misconceptions**
Una Deputy Commissioner Jatin Lal stated that awareness campaigns are regularly conducted in the district to prevent Swine Flu, Scrub Typhus, and other bacterial and viral diseases. The objective of these campaigns is to inform the public about disease symptoms and preventive measures, as well as to dispel misconceptions associated with these illnesses. He urged people to follow the precautions recommended by the Health Department and to contact a health facility promptly if symptoms appear.