Prof. Vivek Lal, Director PGIMER, Chandigarh, released a public awareness booklet on influenza-like illness
A public awareness booklet, ‘H3N2 Influenza and its Prevention’ is released by Prof. Vivek Lal, Director, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh. The awareness material is prepared by Dr. Ravindra Khaiwal from the PGIMER, Chandigarh and Dr. Suman Mor from Panjab University, Chandigarh.
During the release event, Prof. Vivek Lal, Director, PGIMER, Chandigarh, highlighted that the institute is actively involved in the surveillance of influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infections (SARI). He added that cases are being reported to the Health Ministry on a near real-time basis to meet public health needs. Prof. Lal stressed that PGIMER has adequate logistics to manage the increasing seasonal influenza cases.
Prof Vivek Lal mentioned that H3N2 is a variant of the seasonal influenza virus, which may cause serious illness, particularly in young children and the elderly. He said that we do not need to panic because the mortality rate due to H3N2 infection is very low and the number of cases of seasonal influenza are expected to decline by March-end.
Dr. Ravindra Khaiwal, Professor of Environmental Health, Department of Community Medicine & School of Public Health, PGIMER, Chandigarh, stated that by adopting simple preventive measures, we could reduce the risk of seasonal influenza infection and its severity. He mentioned that we designed the H3N2 infographic booklet to educate readers about the seasonal flu, its symptoms, preventive strategies, home-based care, and how they can enhance immunity to restrict the spread of the disease.
Dr. Suman Mor, Co-author of the booklet from the Department of Environment Science, Panjab University, Chandigarh, mentioned that the awareness booklet serves as a guide to help individuals and communities to limit the spread of H3N2 including other influenza-like illnesses. She added that our goal is to promote good health through hygiene education.
The authors specifically acknowledged the support from Prof. Renu Vij, Vice-Chancellor, Panjab University and PGIMER authorities, Chandigarh. The booklet can be downloaded in Hindi or English from the website – https://www.care4cleanair.com/awarnessmaterial or their institutional websites.
