Even as reports of a new respiratory virus – the Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) – outbreak in China is creating concerns across the world, the Telangana government has issued an advisory, asking people to take precautionary measures while moving in public places.
While there is no cause for alarm regarding hMPV, the Telangana Health Department said it is monitoring the situation in China and coordinating with the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) in New Delhi.
“It (the virus) is a common cold and flu-like viral respiratory illness. As of the advisory date, no cases of hMPV have been reported in Telangana,” Dr Ravindra Nayak, Director of Public Health and Family Welfare (Telangana), has said.
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Several schools and other academic institutes have asked their students to be vigilant and follow the dos-and-donts issued by the State Government.
“The Health Department analysed prevailing respiratory infection data and found no substantial increase in December 2024 compared to 2023. However, as a precaution, the department urges people to follow certain Dos-and-Don’ts to protect themselves against respiratory infections,” he said.
Dos:
Cover your mouth and nose with a handkerchief or tissue paper when coughing or sneezing.
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or alcohol-based sanitizer.
Avoid crowded places and stay at more than an arm’s length from persons affected with flu.
Stay home if you have a fever, cough, or are sneezing.
Drink plenty of water and eat nutritious food.
Adequate ventilation with outdoor air is recommended.
Don’ts:
Shaking hands.
Reuse of tissue paper or handkerchief.
Close contact with sick people.
Frequent touching of eyes, nose and mouth.
Spitting in public places.
Taking medicines (self-medication) without consulting a physician.