CM Yogi Adityanath directs stronger surveillance, adequate medicines, isolation facilities and separate ICU wards in districts reporting higher Influenza-A cases
Uttar Pradesh has directed that Influenza-A (H1N1) testing be provided free of cost at all government health facilities across the state amid a rise in laboratory-confirmed cases.
Reviewing the state’s Influenza-A and seasonal influenza situation, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also directed private healthcare institutions not to charge more than the prescribed fee for H1N1 tests. Hospitals were instructed to ensure adequate medicines, testing and isolation facilities and prepare separate ICU wards for patients with serious illness.
685 Laboratory-Confirmed H1N1 Cases Reported
Experts informed the meeting that 685 laboratory-confirmed H1N1 cases had been reported in Uttar Pradesh as of Wednesday.
H1N1 is a type of Influenza-A virus that primarily spreads through droplets released during coughing and sneezing. Common symptoms include fever, runny nose, cough, sore throat, headache, body ache, chills and red eyes.
The Chief Minister directed officials to ensure timely identification and treatment of patients and strengthen surveillance and medical arrangements immediately in districts where cases are increasing.
Separate Flu Counters and Referral System Ordered
Patients with mild symptoms have been advised to take home rest and follow self-isolation measures according to medical advice, while patients with serious symptoms should receive immediate treatment.
Special attention has been directed towards children, pregnant women, people above 65 years of age and individuals with serious pre-existing illnesses.
Hospitals have also been instructed to establish separate counters for patients with influenza-like symptoms and maintain a referral system based on the patient’s condition. The aim is to ensure that serious patients receive timely treatment without unnecessarily increasing the burden on hospitals.
Warning Signs of Severe Influenza
Experts highlighted several symptoms that could indicate severe illness, including breathing difficulty, chest pain, extreme drowsiness, low blood pressure, blood-stained sputum and bluish nails.
In children, persistent high fever, inability to eat, seizures, rapid or difficult breathing and worsening of an existing illness were identified as warning signs requiring medical attention.
Medicines, Testing and Isolation Facilities Available
The Uttar Pradesh government stated that adequate stocks of oseltamivir capsules and syrup, along with H1N1 vaccines, are available.
District hospitals have flu help desks, sample collection facilities and separate flu OPDs. Medical colleges have testing facilities, medicines and isolation beds, along with adequate RT-PCR kits.
The government has also been directed to prepare detailed guidelines for H1N1 prevention and treatment, strengthen teleconsultation services and intensify screening with the support of ANMs, ASHA workers and other health personnel to identify suspected cases.
Government Urges Public to Avoid Unnecessary Panic
CM Yogi Adityanath directed officials to intensify public awareness efforts and provide people with simple and accurate information about precautions and appropriate action.
He stressed hand hygiene, proper cough and sneeze precautions and infection-prevention measures in hospitals and crowded places.
The Chief Minister also ordered continuous monitoring of the situation and immediate action in districts witnessing an increase in H1N1 cases, while emphasising that unnecessary panic should be avoided.
Important Highlights
- Uttar Pradesh makes H1N1 testing free at all government health facilities
- 685 laboratory-confirmed H1N1 cases reported in the state as of Wednesday
- Private healthcare institutions directed not to charge above the prescribed H1N1 testing fee
- Hospitals asked to ensure adequate medicines, testing and isolation facilities
- Separate ICU wards to be prepared for serious patients
- Special attention advised for children, pregnant women, elderly people and those with serious illnesses
- District hospitals have flu help desks, sample collection facilities and separate flu OPDs
- Oseltamivir, H1N1 vaccines and RT-PCR kits reported to be available
Authorities directed to strengthen surveillance and public awareness