Delhi Schools Told to Boost Flu Prevention as H1N1 Cases Rise
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Health officials in Delhi have asked schools to strengthen their preventive measures against seasonal influenza and H1N1. The request comes as the number of cases in the city continues to grow.
According to reports, Delhi's H1N1 tally has reached 2,446 after 138 new cases were confirmed. This shows a noticeable surge in infections recently.
Because of the rising numbers, hospitals have also been told to step up their readiness. This means making sure they have enough staff, beds and supplies to treat patients if more people fall ill.
The IMA, or Indian Medical Association, has urged the public to remain cautious during this period. Doctors from the organisation have specifically warned people against self-medication, especially with antibiotics and antiviral drugs.
Experts explain that antibiotics only work against bacteria, not viruses, so they are not effective for treating flu. Taking them without a doctor's advice can also cause other health problems.
Similarly, antiviral medicines used for flu are powerful drugs. Doctors say these should only be taken under medical supervision, since incorrect use can lead to complications.
The IMA has advised anyone with flu-like symptoms to consult a doctor rather than treat themselves. Early medical advice can help prevent the illness from becoming more serious.
Schools have been identified as an important focus area because children can easily pass infections to one another in close settings like classrooms. Strengthening hygiene practices in schools is seen as a key step in slowing the spread of the virus across the city.
Vocabulary10 words
- influenza
- a common illness, also called flu, that spreads easily
- H1N1
- a specific type of flu virus
- preventive measures
- actions taken to stop something bad from happening
- tally
- a running total count of something
- surge
- a sudden and large increase
- readiness
- the state of being prepared for something
- IMA
- a national organisation of doctors in India
- self-medication
- treating yourself with medicine without seeing a doctor
- antibiotics
- medicine that kills bacteria, not viruses
- antiviral
- medicine designed to fight viruses like flu
Quiz
Answer key
1. To strengthen measures against seasonal flu and H1N1 2. Self-medicating with antibiotics and antivirals 3. 138
Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
Health officials in Delhi have asked schools to strengthen their _____ against seasonal influenza and H1N1.
Delhi's H1N1 _____ has reached _____ after 138 new cases were confirmed.
Hospitals have also been told to step up their _____ to treat more patients.
The _____ has urged the public to remain cautious and warned against _____, especially with antibiotics and antiviral drugs.
Experts explain that _____ only work against bacteria, not viruses, so they are not effective for treating flu.
The IMA has advised anyone with flu-like symptoms to _____ a doctor rather than treat themselves.
Discussion questions
- Why might schools be an important place to focus on preventing the spread of flu?
- Why do you think doctors are especially worried about people self-medicating during a flu surge?
- What steps do you take to protect yourself during flu season?
- How important is it for hospitals to prepare in advance for rising case numbers?