State logs 3,484 flu cases in less than three months

PANAJI

The State has reported a whopping 3,484 cases of influenza across health centres in less than three months with health authorities advising precautionary measures to curb its spread.

While the seasonal surge is expected during this time of the year – from January to March - the Directorate of Health Services (DHS) has stressed the need for hygiene and protective measures, especially for high-risk groups.  

According to official data exclusively with The Goan, January recorded 1,142 cases of influenza-like illness (ILI) and 155 cases of severe acute respiratory illness (SARI). The numbers peaked in February with 1,535 ILI cases and 214 SARI cases with March (till date) recording 807 and 118 cases, respectively.  

State Epidemiologist Dr Utkarsh Betodkar explained that while influenza cases are widespread across all age groups, SARI cases requiring hospitalization are more common in high-risk persons - children below five years and elderly patients above 65 with comorbid conditions.  

“This is a seasonal trend. It spikes from January to March and then subsides, only to rise again between July and October,” he said, maintaining that the situation is not an epidemic/alarming.  

However, Dr Betodkar advised those experiencing flu symptoms to wear masks to prevent the spread within families and communities.  “If one person in a family gets infected, others will likely contract it too. That is why it is important to wear masks and stay home until recovery,” he said, adding that covering the mouth while sneezing or coughing is essential.  

Even for healthy individuals, wearing masks in crowded places and practicing proper hygiene such as washing hands is advisable to reduce the risk.  

“Flu viruses transfer easily from hand to mouth, so simple hygiene practices can make a big difference,” he insisted.

With fluctuating temperatures, Dr Betodkar also warned about the risks of dehydration and heat-related illnesses advising people to avoid stepping out between 12 noon and 3 pm unless necessary. “Staying hydrated with water or citrus-based drinks is crucial while aerated drinks and alcohol should be avoided. In case of discomfort or severe symptoms, seek medical help immediately by visiting the nearest health centre or calling an ambulance,” he said.

The DHS recently issued an alert amid rising heat advising to stay hydrated by consuming liquids like water, lemon-based drinks, coconut water, buttermilk, ORS and watery fruits and vegetables like watermelon, muskmelon, oranges, cucumber etc.

“Use head coverings/ umbrellas plus sunscreen and light coloured, loose cotton clothes when going outside, check IMD alerts on media and on their website and check on elderly/sick/ pregnant and lactating mothers/infants/people leaving alone/ people with disabilities for any signs of dehydration,” it said.  

Over the past month, there have been no COVID-19 cases in Goa though three random cases of H1N1 were detected in recent weeks.