New Delhi: The Delhi government has issued a public health advisory amid a rise in H1N1 infections in the national capital, urging residents to follow respiratory hygiene, wear masks in crowded places and seek medical attention if flu-like symptoms worsen or persist.
According to health department data, Delhi has recorded 1,777 H1N1 cases this year, including 114 new infections reported on August 20.
Authorities have advised people to wash their hands frequently, cover their mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing, avoid close contact with people suffering from respiratory infections and refrain from touching their eyes, nose and mouth unnecessarily.
Residents experiencing symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, body ache, headache or breathing difficulties have been advised to consult a doctor instead of self-medicating.
The government has stepped up surveillance and preparedness measures, with 35 hospitals placed under special monitoring and designated laboratories at AIIMS and the National Centre for Disease Control for testing and surveillance.
Health authorities have also directed hospitals and district health officials to strengthen screening and reporting of influenza-like illness and severe respiratory infections.
The Delhi State Health Mission is monitoring the situation through the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme, while awareness campaigns and training programmes for healthcare workers are also being conducted.
