Telangana issues health advisory on seasonal flu amid drop in temperatures

The Director of Public Health (DPH) issued a health advisory urging people in Telangana to take precautions against seasonal flu, due to drop in temperatures.

“Low temperatures may lead to the spread of acute respiratory infections such as seasonal flu, an acute and contagious respiratory infection characterized by fever, cough, sore throat, body ache and fatigue. It spreads easily between people when they cough or sneeze,” Dr B Ravinder Nayak, DPH, in the advisory said.

People with seasonal flu are advised to rest at home, drink plenty of fluids, and usually recover on their own within a week. The vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, children under 5



years, elderly above 65 years and individuals with chronic medical conditions are at greater risk of severe illness and if they develop symptoms like seasonal flu are advised to consult a doctor at a nearby health facility, DPH said.

DOs:

• Cover your mouth and nose with handkerchief or tissue paper when you cough or sneeze

• Wash hands often with soap and water

• Stay away from public places if you have fever, cough and sneezing

• Drink plenty of water and eat nutritious food

• Adequate ventilation with outdoor air is recommended in all settings to reduce the transmission

• Sleep well