ARI_Prevention_Control_Presentation.pptx

ARI pppt

1. General Principles of Prevention and Control of Acute Respiratory Infections (ARIs) Presented by: Sruthi K Institution: Nargund College of Pharmacy Date: 04/08/2025

2. Index / Contents Introduction Causative Agents Risk Factors Mode of Transmission Signs and Symptoms General Principles of Prevention Control Measures Role of Health Workers and Pharmacists Conclusion References

3. Introduction Acute Respiratory Infections (ARIs) are a group of infections that affect the respiratory system and interfere with normal breathing. They affect the upper respiratory tract(nose, sinuses, pharynx, larynx) or lower respiratory tract (trachea, bronchi, bronchioles and lungs). These infections usually appear suddenly, develop rapidly and typically last for a short duration. ARIs are among the most common illness worldwide particularly in children under 5 years and the elderly. They contribute significantly to morbidity and mortality, especially in low and middle income countries.

4. Causative Agents ARIs can be caused by viruses, bacteria and occasionally fungi or parastes . Viruses: Rhinovirus, Influenza, RSV, Parainfluenza, Adenovirus, Coronavirus Bacteria: Streptococcus pneumoniae, H. influenzae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae Others: Fungi (Aspergillus), Parasites (rare)

5. Risk Factors Age -related vulnerability : infants, elderly Malnutrition and Poor Nutrition Overcrowding living conditions Indoor air pollution Incomplete or missed Immunization Poor hygiene and Sanitation Low immunity/Immunosuppressive conditions Inappropriate Antibiotic use Underlying chronic diseases Socioeconomic factors: poverty, lack of education

6. Mode of Transmission Airborne droplets: coughing, sneezing, talking Direct contact: infected person Indirect contact: contaminated surfaces (fomites) , sharing utensils, toys, towels. Self-Inoculation: touch contaminated surfaces and then touch their own face.

7. Signs and Symptoms 1. General Symptoms(common to most most ARIs): Fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue and malaise Headache, body aches and chills Loss of appetite 2. Upper Respiratory Tract Infections(URTIs): Runny or blocked nose(nasal congestion), sneezing Mild to moderate sore throat, hoarseness of voice Watery eyes Mild cough, low-grade fever

8. Signs and Symptoms 3. Lower Respiratory Tract Infections (LRTIs): Persistent cough(often with sputum) Shortness of breath, fast or shallow breathing High grade fever with chills, wheezing Cyanosis (bluish lips or nails in severe cases) 4. In Children: Rapid breathing(tachypnea), Apnea Chest indrawing (retraction of chest wall during breathing), Grunting sounds Lethargy or irritability Poor feeding or refusal to eat

9. General Principles of Prevention and Control Acute Respiratory Infections (ARIs) are significant public health problems, particularly in children and vulnerable populations. Effective prevention and control involve individual, community and governmental efforts, focusing on health education, hygiene, immunization, nutrition and early medical intervention. Pharmacists and public health workers play a key role in implementing these preventive strategies at grassroots level.

10. General Principles of Prevention Health Education: hygiene, cough etiquette Personal Hygiene: handwashing, masks Environmental Hygiene: cleanliness, air quality Nutrition: breastfeeding, balanced diet Immunization: DPT, measles, Hib, pneumococcal, influenza, COVID-19

11. Control Measures Early diagnosis and treatment Essential medicines and rational antibiotic use Community-based monitoring Access to healthcare, strengthen primary care

12. 1.Health Education and Awareness Educate the public about modes of transmission, symptoms, and complications of ARIs. Promote awareness about personal hygiene, respiratory etiquette(covering mouth and nose while coughing/sneezing), and the importance of seeking early medical care. Discourage self medication and misuse of antibiotics to prevent antimicrobial resistance.

13. 2. Personal and Environmental Hygiene Encourage regular handwashing with soap and water. Promote cleaniness in homes, schools, workplaces and public areas. Ensure adequate ventilation in indoor spaces to reduce the spread of airborne infections. Reduce indoor air pollution by discouraging tobacco smoke and using clean cooking fuels.

14. 3. Immunization Promote routine immunization under the national immunization schedule, including: BCG vaccine (for tuberculosis) DPT vaccine (diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus) Measles vaccine Hib ( Haemophilus influenzae type b) vaccine Pneumococcal vaccine Influenza and Covid-19 vaccines (as per guidelines) Vaccination reduces the incidence and severity of ARIs, particularly in children under 5 and the elderly.

15. 4. Adequate Nutrition and Immunity Support Promote exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months. Ensure adequate caloric and micronutrient intake, especially Vitamin A and Zinc, to boost immunity. Address malnutrition and undernutrition, which are major risk factors for ARIs.

16. 5. Control of Environmental Risk Factors Improve housing conditions to avoid overcrowding. Minimize exposure to indoor smoke, dust, and allergens. Encourage construction of smoke-free kitchens and use of chinmeys or exhausts in cooking areas.

17. 6. Early Diagnosis and Prompt Treatment Strengthen primary healthcare services to detect and treat ARIs. Train healthcare workers to recognize danger signs in children (e.g., fast breathing, chest indrawing). Use standard treatment guidelines (STGs) for rational antibiotic use. Ensure availability of essential medicines at public health facilities.

18. 7. Community Participation Engage community health workers (ASHAs, ANMs) in educating families. Encourage community-based monitoring and participation in vaccination drives and sanitation campaigns. Promote family-level care practices like maintaining warmth, cleanliness, and good nutrition.

19. 8. Strengthening Public Health Infrastructure Develop a surveillance system for early detection and control of outbreaks. Improve access to healthcare services in rural and underserved areas. Implement national programs like: Integrated Management of Neonatal and Childhood Illness (IMNCI) Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) National Health Mission (NIM)

20. Role of Health Workers and Pharmacists Patient education and awareness Promote vaccination and nutrition Ensure rational medication use Support public health campaigns and surveillance

21. Conclusion ARIs are preventable through public health measures Pharmacists play a vital role in control and education Community and healthcare collaboration is essential

22. References 1. WHO. Acute respiratory infections: https:// www.who.int 2. National Health Portal of India: https:// www.nhp.gov.in 3. Park K. Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine 4. Ghai OP. Essential Pediatrics 5. CDC Guidelines on ARI prevention 6. PCI B.Pharm Syllabus (Social and Preventive Pharmacy)