The Health Department has issued a directive to all district health authorities to strengthen surveillance and prevention activities against H1N1 as a general precaution.
It has also directed an increase in the level of alertness while treating respiratory illnesses among the high-risk population, including pregnant women, children, elderly, and those already suffering from liver, heart, or renal problems, and other immuno-compromising conditions like cancer.
Kerala has so far reported 41 H1N1 cases and seven deaths this year. The peak season for H1N1 in the State is during the monsoon months — from June to September.
Surveillance
Considering the situation in many parts of the country and the fact that H1N1 has become endemic, sentinel surveillance for the infection and other preventive measures are being strengthened, H1N1 nodal officer Amar Fettle has said. At present, the department is not encouraging testing for H1N1, and any test currently being done is only for surveillance purposes.
The Health Department has also renewed and updated the guidelines for doctors for the management of H1N1 and short febrile illnesses and has asked doctors to strictly follow the ABC guidelines while treating patients.
The department has sought additional stocks of Oseltamivir from the Centre even though stocks procured by the Kerala Medical Services Corporation (KMSCL) have reached Karunya drug stores and district hospitals.
Private hospitals have been advised to make direct procurement of Oseltamivir, as the government does not have additional stocks to provide the drug.
Clinics and small private hospitals may direct patients to purchase Oseltamivir from Karunya outlets or drug stores with Schedule H licence.
The public have been asked to maintain general guidelines for prevention and spread of the infection in the community. Those with mild illnesses should stay back home with food and warm fluids and take care not to spread the disease in the community.
Schools
Schools are being asked to teach children the etiquette to be followed while coughing. Teachers should strictly monitor sick children and send them home immediately. Schools should not insist on medical certificates for absent students and should encourage parents to keep children at home if they have any signs of respiratory illness.
