Hyderabad: A seasonal flu alert in Telangana prompted the Health and Family Welfare Department to issue a public advisory as cold conditions intensified across the state, raising the risk of respiratory infections.
On Wednesday, the Public Health and Family Welfare department urged citizens to follow preventive measures and seek medical attention if flu-like symptoms appeared. Moreover, officials cautioned that falling temperatures could accelerate the spread of seasonal infections.
Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department forecast dry weather over the next five days. It also said minimum temperatures in some regions could fall by 2 to 3 degrees Celsius below normal. Consequently, health officials warned that such conditions favour faster flu transmission.
Officials explained that seasonal flu spreads mainly through coughs and sneezes. They described it as an infectious illness marked by fever, cough, sore throat, body pain and fatigue. Therefore, people with mild symptoms were advised to stay home, rest adequately and drink fluids, as most recover within a week.
Seasonal flu alert highlights risks for vulnerable groups
Doctors warned that pregnant women, children below five years, people above 65 years and those with chronic illnesses face a higher risk during a seasonal flu alert. Accordingly, they advised these groups to visit nearby health centres if fever or persistent cough developed.
Health officials also listed warning signs requiring urgent medical care. These include high fever, breathing difficulty, bluish lips or skin, blood in sputum and sudden behavioural changes. In such cases, patients were directed to visit government hospitals immediately or use 108 ambulance services.
To prevent infection, officials advised covering the mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing. In addition, they stressed frequent handwashing with soap and avoiding crowded places when sick. Doctors further recommended nutritious food, proper sleep and avoidance of self-medication.
District Health Officer Dr B. Ravindranayak said all government health centres had kept special beds and essential medicines ready to handle cases arising from the seasonal flu alert.
