Telangana Health department issued a set of precautions that can be taken to prevent respiratory infections. | Photo Credit: By Arrangement
Amid reports of a Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) outbreak in China circulating on various media platforms, the Telangana Health department has assured the citizens that there is no cause for alarm within the State. According to an official statement issued by Director of Public Health and Family Welfare B. Ravinder Nayak no cases of HMPV have been reported in the State so far.
The Director-General of Health Services (DGHS) and the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoH&FW), Government of India, clarified that HMPV behaves similarly to other respiratory viruses. It typically causes common cold and flu-like symptoms during the winter months, particularly affecting younger and older age groups.
The Telangana Health department has analysed respiratory infections in the State and it did not observe any substantial increase in the cases in December 2024 compared to 2023. As a precautionary measure, the department has issued a set of guidelines to safeguard against respiratory infections:
Dr. Nayak said that the Health department is closely monitoring the situation in coordination with the NCDC and MoH&FW in New Delhi. Citizens were urged to remain vigilant but not to panic, as all necessary measures are being taken to ensure public health safety.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a handkerchief or tissue when coughing or sneezing
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based sanitizer
- Avoid crowded places and maintain distance from individuals with flu symptoms
- Stay home if you have fever, cough, or sneezing, and limit contact with others
- Ensure adequate ventilation in indoor settings to reduce transmission risks
- Maintain hydration, consume nutritious food, and get sufficient sleep
- Shaking hands or close contact with sick individuals
- Reusing tissues or handkerchiefs
- Touching eyes, nose, and mouth frequently
- Spitting in public places
- Self-medication without consulting a physician
Telangana Health department issued a set of precautions to avoid respiratory infections. | Photo Credit: By Arrangement
Published – January 04, 2025 05:19 pm IST
