This time many cases of Influenza are being registered in some parts of the country

New Delhi:

Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj said on Friday that the city government has directed officials to conduct quick tests to detect influenza cases in the national capital.

Addressing a press conference, he said that though the peak of seasonal influenza is usually over by March, this time several cases are being reported in some parts of the country.

Mr. Bhardwaj also said that the city government has no plans to make masks mandatory. He said that the focus is on taking precautionary measures like avoiding public places, washing hands etc.

He said, “People who have had severe asthma or Covid are most affected by influenza. Extra precautions should be taken for people above 65 years of age, children below the age of five years and those suffering from lung diseases. Is required.”

The Delhi Health Minister said that the Center has issued a Covid advisory for six states, but Delhi is not in the list. “However, we are issuing an advisory to check the spread of influenza. Precautionary measures are the same in case of influenza and Covid,” said Mr. Bhardwaj.

“Directions have been issued to district surveillance units, health facilities and government hospital authorities to monitor the situation on a daily basis. All districts have been asked to ensure early detection of cases,” he added.

Shri Bhardwaj said that there are not many cases of influenza in Delhi hospitals and the situation is being closely monitored.

The Health Minister said that the government will issue advertisements in newspapers and on FM radio channels to create awareness.

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has stated that the increase in influenza cases is caused by the Influenza A subtype H3N2 virus.

H3N2 virus tends to lead to more hospitalizations than other subtypes. Symptoms include runny nose, persistent cough and fever.

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and was auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)