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.
Doctors said Category B and C patients may require a five-day course of Oseltamivir as per medical advice and applicable health guidelines. 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. Preventive medication for eligible close contacts may also be considered in accordance with government protocols.
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. 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.
Varanasi has reported four confirmed H1N1 cases so far, with all the patients in stable condition. H1N1 is a seasonal form of Influenza A that primarily spreads through respiratory droplets released while coughing or sneezing, according to govt medical officer and CPR expert Dr Shivshakti Prasad Dwivedi.
Patients are assessed according to the severity of their symptoms. 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.