Chennai: The Directorate of Public Health (DPH) has urged the public to report flu cases on the Integrated Disease Surveillance Portal (IDSP) to aid experts in monitoring outbreaks.
“Not many doctors are notifying fever cases, particularly in cities like Chennai,” said Dr P Sampath, additional director of public health and preventive medicine (disease control). People, however, can report more than 30 conditions, including flu, cholera, diarrhoea, mumps, measles, dengue, malaria, and typhoid on https:/ihip.mohfw.gov.in/cbs/#/
People can report conditions with or without documents and contact details, along with the detailed address. “Our staff will verify the documents, visit the area, and take steps for early treatment and initiate micro containment measures to prevent the spread of infection,” he said.
The department estimates at least 1% of the population (7.5 lakh people) will have a fever between Sept and Feb. Among these, nearly 1%, including the elderly, pregnant women, and people with chronic ailments, will require hospitalisation, including intensive care, he said.
Most hospitals report severe cases, while smaller clinics often omit mild ones. “We’ve empowered the public,” Dr. Sampath said.
Studies by the health department show that nearly 75% of people with flu-like ailments have influenza A or B. Influenza is a highly contagious viral infection that affects the respiratory system. It’s caused by influenza viruses, which are constantly changing and can lead to outbreaks every year.
Most people with flu recover within three or four days of fever. “Most people require medicines for symptom relief and rest. It is important to isolate people with infection,” said director of public health Dr TS Selvavinayagam.
The flu virus spreads easily through droplets in the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. You can also become infected by touching a contaminated surface and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
