NEW DELHI: As H1N1 virus, often known as swine flu, rages in the country, especially in Delhi and adjoining areas, the centre on Friday asked states to closely monitor influenza trends, identify and quickly manage any unusual increase or clustering of cases.
Union Health Minister JP Nadda, who held a review meeting of the prevailing situation, especially in the national capital, which has recorded over 1,700 cases of swine flu this year, called for continued strengthening of early detection, timely testing and appropriate clinical management of influenza cases.
At the meeting, which was also attended by Delhi Health Minister Dr. Pankaj Kumar Singh, Nadda reviewed the preparedness of healthcare facilities in the national capital, including the availability of hospital beds, critical care facilities, oxygen-supported beds, ventilators, essential medicines, diagnostics, and other critical supplies.
Stressing the importance of adequate surge capacity and seamless referral mechanisms, particularly for patients requiring specialised or critical care, he called for continued strengthening of early detection, timely testing and appropriate clinical management of influenza cases, along with effective utilisation of the existing surveillance and laboratory network.
The minister called for a proactive and preparedness-oriented approach by state governments, with active participation of municipal councillors and other local bodies in generating awareness among communities on the prevention, spread and control of seasonal diseases.
Nadda also emphasised public awareness and preventive health practices, including respiratory hygiene and hand hygiene, and advised individuals with persistent or severe respiratory symptoms, breathing difficulty or other warning signs to seek medical advice promptly.
The minister reviewed the national surveillance and epidemiological situation, Influenza-like illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) trends, testing and laboratory surveillance, and preparedness of healthcare facilities to manage seasonal influenza cases.
Nadda emphasised the need for continued vigilance, robust surveillance and proactive preparedness, with close monitoring of influenza trends and timely identification and management of any unusual increase or clustering of cases.
He reiterated that the situation is being closely and continuously monitored, while emphasising the need for sustained and coordinated efforts for the prevention and control of seasonal diseases, including dengue and malaria, which is also seeing a surge in cases.
“The ministry continues to coordinate closely with states/UTs, hospitals, laboratories and other stakeholders to ensure effective surveillance, early detection, timely clinical management and proactive preparedness for seasonal influenza, including H1N1,” officials added.
Earlier, the Union Health Secretary, Punya Salila Srivastava, had written to all states and UTs advising them to strengthen preparedness and surveillance for Acute Respiratory Illness (ARI) and ensure healthcare facilities remain adequately prepared.
According to Dr. Harpreet Kaur, Medical Superintendent, Head, Lab Services and Blood Centre Transfusion Medicine and Blood banking, Haematology, Cytopathology, Aakash Healthcare, they are seeing a definite spike in dengue and H1N1 cases across Delhi.
“Early diagnosis and timely medical care can significantly improve outcomes, and there is no need for patients to delay seeking medical attention out of fear,” Dr Kaur said.
Added Dr. Manav Manchanda, Director and Head, Respiratory, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine, Asian Hospital, swine flu is a contagious viral illness that can spread rapidly through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, as well as through close contact.
He said changes in weather, spending more time in enclosed and crowded spaces, and continued transmission within the community can contribute to a rise in cases.
Meanwhile, the Aam Aadmi Party on Friday expressed concern over the "alarmingly high" number of swine flu cases in the capital, saying the Delhi government should proactively spread public awareness in this regard to curb infections.
AAP Delhi president Saurabh Bharadwaj claimed several people are suffering from flu-like symptoms.
"Across Delhi, an alarmingly high number of people, especially school-going children, are suffering from high-grade fever, cough and flu-like symptoms. Some say it's H1N1," Bharadwaj said in a post on X.
"I don't see serious efforts by the government in this regard," he alleged, asserting that the government should spread awareness and ensure availability of medicines at hospitals and dispensaries.
"To my understanding, it is highly contagious and spreading like corona. Once a family member gets it, almost everyone gets sick in turn," Bharadwaj said.