Along with the cases of corona in India, now the cases of H3N2 flu have also started increasing. Not only this, two people have also died due to this influenza virus infection. After this, now the central government has come into action mode. All states and union territories have been instructed to take necessary precautions.
New Delhi: The Union Health Ministry on Saturday expressed concern over the fresh increase in the Covid-19 positive rate in some states amid rising cases of the H3N2 subtype of seasonal influenza. The government says that there is a need to take necessary steps for prevention. 456 new corona cases have been registered in the country on Saturday. Now the total number of cases has increased to 4.46 crore, while active cases have increased to 3406. With one death in Gujarat, now the death toll from the infection has gone up to 5,30,780.
In a letter to the states and union territories, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said, "There has been a significant reduction in the number of COVID-19 cases in the last few months. However, the rapid increase in the COVID-19 test-positive rate observed in some states is a matter of concern. This needs immediate attention. The Center has asked all the states and union territories to follow all the necessary guidelines.
Necessary instructions
The Center has also advised states to make necessary preparations in hospitals, including availability of medicines, medical oxygen and influenza and Kovid-19 vaccination coverage. Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said in his letter that there is a need to be vigilant despite the decrease in fresh cases of the corona, the same number of hospitalizations and Kovid-19 vaccination coverage. Everyone will have to test, track, treat, vaccinate and follow Covid-appropriate behaviour.
A meeting was held to review the increasing cases of ILI and SARI reported in some states and union territories of the country. In the meeting, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said that although influenza is a seasonal flu, we should not be negligent in view of the changing weather. Cleanliness and personal hygiene also need attention
Who is more at risk?
Rajesh Bhushan says that Influenza A (H3N2) has been detected in many samples during testing in the lab, which is a matter of concern. In such a situation, we have to pay special attention to small children, old people and people suffering from any disease because these people are more at risk of infection with H1N1, H3N2, and Adenovirus. They say that since January 1, adenovirus has been found in 25.4 per cent of the samples.
Center has come to the fore when two deaths have been registered due to the influenza H3N2 virus. There has been one death each in Karnataka and Haryana. Soon after the deaths were reported, the government issued a statement saying it was closely monitoring the situation and expected a decrease in cases from the end of the month.