• Source:JND
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The Health Ministry on Monday said that there has been no abnormal rise in cases of seasonal flu in any part of the country, adding that the ministry is keeping a close eye on the situation through its Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme network. Since the first case of Influenza-A H1N1 was detected in 2009, India has seen two annual peaks of this seasonal influenza, one occurring in the post-monsoon season and the other from January to March, said the ministry.

Through the network of laboratories across the nation maintained by the Indian Council of Medical Research, the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) conduct near real-time surveillance of cases of influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) that present in both indoor and outdoor patient departments of healthcare facilities.

A video conference to assess the present state of seasonal influenza was also convened on Sunday, with the Director General of Health Services serving as the chairman, in response to different media reports regarding the discovery of the avian influenza virus in cattle and milk in the United States.

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It was informed by experts that with use of proper hygienic practices such as boiling of milk and proper cooking of meat at adequate temperatures would help prevent the virus transmission from the product (if the virus is present) to human beings, the statement said.

The health ministry has issued guidelines on categorisation of patients, treatment protocols, and guidelines on ventilatory management to states and Union Territories. The National Centre for Disease Control has also advised state governments for vaccination of healthcare workers dealing with H1N1 cases.

"As of now, the situation is under control and is being monitored by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare for seasonal and avian influenza viruses also," the statement said.

What Is Seasonal Influenza?

Seasonal influenza is an acute respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses that circulate in all parts of the world, and the cases are seen to increase during certain months globally.

When it comes to seasonal influenza, young children and the elderly with co-morbidities are the most vulnerable.