Telangana issues advisory as seasonal flu risk rises with dip in temperatures

The Telangana Health department has issued an advisory urging citizens to take precautions against seasonal flu, following a forecast of dry weather and a drop in minimum temperatures across the State. The advisory, issued on Wednesday, November 12, notes that the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that temperatures could fall two to three degrees below normal in isolated pockets over the next few days. The fall in temperatures, the department warned, may increase the spread of acute respiratory infections including seasonal flu.

Seasonal flu is described as an acute and contagious respiratory infection marked by fever, cough, sore throat, bodyache and fatigue. It spreads easily from person to person through droplets released while coughing or sneezing. Most individuals can recover at home within a week with adequate rest and fluid intake, the advisory states. The department highlighted that certain groups are more vulnerable to severe illness: pregnant women, children below five years, adults over 65 and people with chronic medical conditions. Warning signs such as high fever, difficulty in breathing, blue discoloration of the lips or skin, blood in sputum or altered behaviour require immediate medical attention at the nearest government health facility.

To reduce transmission, the advisory lists a series of precautions. People are urged to cover their mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing, wash hands frequently with soap and water, avoid touching the face, maintain good ventilation in indoor spaces, drink plenty of water and eat nutritious food. Individuals with fever or respiratory symptoms are advised to stay at home and avoid crowded places.