Preparations for the flu intensified, with the Center and states holding two days of discussions… Emphasis on the Integrated Disease Surveillance Program

The central government has launched a two-day Chintan Shivir to strengthen preparations for the upcoming flu (influenza) season in the country. 

The camp is being held in New Delhi on December 22nd and 23rd. It is organized by the National Center for Disease Control (NCDC) under the Ministry of Health in collaboration with WHO India.

Addressing the event virtually, Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda said that advance preparedness, robust surveillance, and additional treatment capacity are essential to combat the flu. 

He added that the central and state governments must work together and further strengthen the Integrated Disease Surveillance Program (IDSP).

Around 110 delegates participated in the Chintan Shivir.

Around 110 representatives participated in this brainstorming session. This included officials from the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Environment, the Department of Animal Husbandry, ICMR, ICAR, the National Institute of Virology, the WHO, and several states and union territories. Eleven states participated in person, while the remaining participated online.

Emphasis on increasing surveillance and testing in the meeting

The meeting clearly stated that flu preparedness should not be limited to a single department. All departments must work together to ensure surveillance, timely warnings, lab preparation, treatment, and dissemination of accurate information.

A key outcome of this brainstorming session was the agreement to develop a preparedness checklist for states and institutions to identify gaps and take timely action. 

This initiative is considered a significant step towards integrating human, animal, and environmental health systems under the One Health approach, further strengthening the country's pandemic response capacity.

Peak between December and February

Flu season typically runs from October to May, with the highest number of cases occurring between December and February. This means the flu is at its peak during this time. 

It becomes more active and dangerous during the colder months. Seasonal changes cause flu viruses to change, so testing patients is sometimes necessary.