May 26,2025 FACT RECORDER
Himachal Pradesh Issues Health Alert Amid Rising COVID and Flu Cases
Shimla – In response to a nationwide uptick in COVID-19 and influenza cases, the Himachal Pradesh government has issued a health alert and instructed hospitals across the state to enhance preparedness. The National Health Mission (NHM) has released an advisory urging district hospitals and medical colleges to remain vigilant and bolster infrastructure to manage potential outbreaks.
Hospitals have been directed to ensure the availability of essential resources including beds, oxygen supplies, ventilators, BiPAP machines, PSA plants, antibiotics, and other critical medicines. Health facilities must also closely monitor and report cases of Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (SARI) through the IHIP–IDSP portal.
The NHM advisory further mandates that all confirmed cases of COVID-19 and influenza be reported via the designated L-form. Any COVID-19 samples collected must be sent for whole genome sequencing to SLBS Government Medical College in Nerchowk, Mandi, or to NIV Pune under the INSACOG network. Positive cases must be immediately reported to district and state surveillance units for timely response.
Elderly individuals and those with compromised immune systems are at greater risk, prompting officials to urge strict adherence to COVID-appropriate behaviour—mask-wearing, hand hygiene, and avoiding crowded spaces.
Health experts have noted that while the JN.1 subvariant of Omicron causes relatively mild illness, it is more adept at evading vaccine-induced immunity due to new mutations. Common symptoms include dry cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, fever, fatigue, headache, and, in some cases, digestive issues or loss of taste and smell.
The health department has emphasized the importance of continued vigilance, especially during the flu season, to avoid a surge in infections.
