Srinagar: Amid a spike in cold and flu cases across India including J&K, the Directorate of Health Service Kashmir (DHSK) Friday said that there is no need to panic as the flu caused by the H3N2 virus could be treated by any doctor anywhere.
People were asked to avoid situations that could put them at risk of contracting infections and parents were urged to not send children to schools in case they show signs of flu.
Talking to the reporters at his office here, DHSK spokesman Dr Mir Mushtaq urged people to follow SOPs on preventive measures to prevent spread of the seasonal infection.
“Influenza cases are reported in every season and H3N2 Influenza is a seasonal viral infection. We witnessed enough cases this year but there is no need to panic as H3N2 is a seasonal variation,” Dr Mushtaq said.
Regarding precautions to prevent the spread of H3N2 influenza virus, he said Respiratory Tract Infections (RTI) require universal precautions like avoiding crowd gatherings, hand hygiene and use of face masks, as precautions minimize chances of influenza spread to a huge extent.
The DHSK spokesman, however, said that Influenza A H3N2 infection was more severe in terms of fever, leucopenia, and C-reactive protein.
When asked as to what precautions children need to take to avoid getting infected by H3N2 Influenza, he said parents have a significant role to play in this direction — like if they notice any symptom including fever, symptoms of RTI, cough and sneezing in kids, it’s better to avoid sending them to school for next two to three days.
This way, he said, the spread of H3N2 Influenza could be prevented to a huge extent, while other children in schools could also be saved from getting infected.
“If symptoms increase, consult a doctor immediately or visit any nearby dispensary or public health center, or hospital for treatment.
“I would like to reiterate that H3N2 is not a serious infection and can be treated by any doctor anywhere. There is absolutely no need to panic even as precautions are highly recommended…,” DHSK spokesman added.
Like parents, he said, teachers in schools also have a responsibility to keep an eye on the children, particularly for any symptoms of influenza or upper respiratory tract infections.
“Awareness among the children like hand hygiene, cough and spitting manners needs to be taught to them so as to save them from getting infected or spreading infections,” he added.
