Acute respiratory tract infection in Kashmir: Health Advisory issued by DHSK

Directorate of Health services Kashmir (DHSK) on Tuesday issued an advisory for acute respiratory tract infection in Kashmir.
The acute viral respiratory tract infection is a contagious illness that spreads every year from October through spring and is commonly caused by viral pathogens, such as rhinovirus, Parainfluenza, adenovirus, RSV, and influenza virus, said the DHSK.

SYMPTOMS:
The symptoms are cough, fever/ chills, sore throat, muscle aches, fatigue, headache or a runny or stuffy nose.

HOW VIRUS SPREADS:
From infected people to others through inhaled droplets from coughing/ sneezing.
Droplets from hands / surfaces like door knobs.

PREVENTION:
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
Stay home if you are sick.
Please stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting others.
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
Wash your hands after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose. Clean hands, save lives.
Stay away from people who are sick.

DANGER SIGNS:
Fast breathing, pain in the chest or abdomen, sudden dizziness or confusion.
Seek medical care immediately in such cases.

TREATMENT:
Please don’t use antibiotics on your own. SEEK MEDICAL HELP.
Treatment with antibiotic does not shorten the course of illness. If required your doctor will prescribe antiviral medication.
Practice good cough and sneeze etiquette. Always cough and sneeze into a tissue or your upper shirt sleeve, completely covering your mouth and nose.
Face masks are not necessary for general public.