The researchers, led by those at The University of Western Australia, warned that lack of global action on climate change will likely devastate children's health for generations.
According to Alicia Budd from the CDC, while the country as a whole has reached its peak, there are still a few regions that haven't yet peaked. In the Midwest, flu-like illnesses are on the rise, with 23 states reporting high levels, compared to 18 the previous week.
Despite Centre's advisory amid a spike in Covid-19 cases in India, testing rate in states remain low. On Monday, experts in this area stated that, although mass testing might not be feasible logistically, it might be useful in determining the precise origin of the respiratory infections that are currently plaguing the nation.
In view of reports of a surge in respiratory illnesses in China, the Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratories (VRDL) network under the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has been asked to test all samples of severe acute respiratory infection (SARI), with a particular focus on samples from children, Parliament was informed on Friday.
The city has witnessed a spurt in respiratory illnesses since the last fortnight, largely triggered by temperature fluctuations and spike in pollution. While the Centre has issued a set of guidelines as precautionary measures that have been adopted by the state as well, experts pointed out that the China outbreak was unlikely to assume COVID proportions since it is still restricted to clusters and is yet to affect a large enough number to cause an epidemic.
The CM also directed officials to monitor cases of respiratory tract infection, influenza like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) in all districts. He has also directed officials to take special care of elderly patients, and ensure availability of medicines, PPE kits, gloves, masks, equipment, oxygen plants and concentrators in all districts.
Patients with upper respiratory infections, that is, influenza-like illness, are coming to OPDs and clinics. Because of change in weather and unseasonal rain, there is a surge in respiratory viral illnesses: Dr Puneet Saxena
Adenovirus typically causes respiratory illnesses such as common cold, conjunctivitis, bronchitis, or pneumonia. In children, it usually causes infections in the respiratory tract and intestinal tract.
The main cause behind indoor air pollution is known to be gases or particles released into the air, substances like building materials, tobacco smoke, wood-burning stoves cause indoor pollution. Once inside, they can react with indoor pollutants, creating a complex cocktail of dirty air.
It expects results from the trial in the first half of 2024 and in the second half of 2023. In October, US doctors had warned that a surge in cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is coinciding with an increase in COVID transmission and an earlier than normal flu season, raising the specter of a tripledemic of respiratory illness this winter.
Exposure to above-average levels of outdoor air pollution increases the risk of death by 20 per cent, and the risk of death from cardiovascular disease by 17 per cent, according to a team of researchers, including one of Indian origin.
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