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The Central Government has started a two-day brainstorming camp to strengthen the preparations before the coming flu (influenza) season in the country. This camp is being organized in New Delhi on 22 and 23 December. It has been organized by the National Center for Disease Control (NCDC) under the Health Ministry in collaboration with WHO India.
Union Health Minister JP Nadda, while addressing the program virtually, said that to deal with the flu, advance preparation, strong surveillance system and additional capacity for treatment if needed are very important. He said that the Center and the states will have to work together and further strengthen the Integrated Disease Surveillance Program (IDSP).
About 110 representatives participated in the contemplation camp.
About 110 representatives have participated in this thinking camp. Apart from the Health Ministry, officials from the Environment Ministry, Animal Husbandry Department, ICMR, ICAR, National Institute of Virology, WHO and many states and union territories are included in this. 11 states participated directly, while the remaining states participated online.
Emphasis on increasing surveillance and testing in the meeting
It was clearly said in the meeting that preparations to deal with flu should not be limited to any one department. All departments will have to work together for monitoring, timely warning, lab preparation, treatment and providing correct information to the people.
The important outcome of this brainstorming camp was that it was agreed to prepare a preparedness checklist for states and institutions, so that the shortcomings could be identified and timely action could be taken. From the perspective of One Health, this initiative is being considered an important step towards connecting the health system related to humans, animals and the environment, which will further strengthen the country’s ability to deal with the epidemic.
At peak between December and February
Flu season usually lasts from October to May, with the highest number of cases occurring between December and February. Meaning, flu is at its peak at this time. It becomes more active and also dangerous during the cold months. Flu viruses keep changing due to seasonal changes, so sometimes testing of patients is necessary.