The Ministry of Health and Family welfare on 13th October 2020 has guidelines on prevention and treatment of co-infections of COVID with diseases like Dengue, Malaria, Seasonal Influenza (H1N1), Leptospirosis, Chikungunya etc.
The Health Ministry has listed approaches to diagnose suspected co-infection which include, a high index of suspicion for epidemic prone diseases existing in specific regions during monsoon and post-monsoon seasons. Bacterial co-infections must also be suspected in moderate or severe cases of COVID-19 not responding to treatment.
The Health Ministry has also directed the states to make use of their resources effectively as staff is also diverted to provide COVID-19 response. For this, the Health Ministry urged the states to follow integrated surveillance, basic preventive measures such as avoiding large gatherings, Vector control, use of approved insect repellants, vaccination and community involvement to combat the threat of co-infections.
