Nagaland H&FW dept. issues guidelines to reduce transmission of RTIs

Dimapur: Against the backdrop of media reports on rising cases of the new variant of COVID-19 (XBB 1.16) and also influenza H3N2 in the country, the state Department of Health & Family Welfare (H&FW) has issued guidelines to limit and reduce transmission of respiratory tract infections (RTIs).

The department in an update said factors such as inadequate attention to personal hygiene, sneezing and coughing without protection nearby of other people, closed-door gatherings, etc., contribute to increased transmission of viral respiratory pathogens like Influenza A (H1N1, H3N2, etc.) including COVID-19.

“While most of these pathogens typically cause mild and often self-limiting illness manifesting as acute respiratory infection with fever and cough, in some cases, particularly amongst young children, old age people, people with obesity, and other co-morbidities (like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cardiovascular disease, chronic renal and liver disease, etc.) as well as pregnant women may suffer from a more severe manifestation of these diseases requiring hospitalisation,” the department stated.

To limit the transmission of these diseases, the H&FW department issued guidelines including early reporting of symptoms to health care workers to initiate early care and treatment and limiting contact with people suffering from respiratory illness.

DO’S and DONT’S for infection prevention and control

DO’S

1. Wash hands with soap and water

2. Wear masks and avoid crowded places

3. Cover mouth & nose while sneezing

4. Avoid touching eyes and nose

5. Take plenty of fluids

6. Take Paracetamol for fever and body aches

DONT’S

1. Shake hands or use contact greetings

2. Spit in public

3. Take antibiotics or other medicines without consulting a doctor

4. Eat together sitting close to others

In addition, concerning the XBB 1.16 variant of Covid-19, detection is done through Genome Sequencing of a Positive Covid-19 sample, it stated.

The department said the last positive case reported in Nagaland was on February 11, 2023, and the need for sending samples for genome sequencing did not arise.

The department also informed the public that surveillance has been intensified and all the Rapid Response Teams are put on alert.

It further encouraged the public to come forward for testing of those people exhibiting signs and symptoms of Respiratory Tract Infections.

“Furthermore, though there is a rising trend of respiratory tract infections including H3N2, and Covid-19, there is no report of increased severity and the public is requested to be vigilant and not panic,” it added.

Also read: No malaria-related deaths in state since 2017, says Health minister