Islamabad : The South Asian region including Pakistan is expected to face an enhanced influenza virus activity. The expected upsurge of influenza cases has prompted the National Institute of Health (NIH) to issue an advisory to sensitize healthcare authorities and facilities to strengthen and improve the level of preparedness in prevention, control and management of influenza.
All health professionals have been advised to remain vigilant to detect any suspected influenza-like illness and Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) cases. Influenza (seasonal flu) is usually a self-limiting disease and everyone doesn’t need antiviral treatment and diagnostic tests. It can spread from person-to-person through coughing or sneezing or can contaminate hands or other surfaces.
Patients with chronic diseases (such as asthma, diabetes, cardiac and lungs diseases etc.) pregnant women, elderly people, children under 5 years are at higher risk of developing severe or complicated disease and need to be tested and treated with specific antiviral medications.
According to the advisory, vaccination is the most effective way to prevent infection. WHO recommends seasonal influenza vaccination for pregnant women (highest priority), children aged 6-59 months, elderly people, individuals with chronic medical conditions and health-care workers.
The advisory also emphasizes the need for simple preventive measures like handwashing, use of mask, cough etiquettes, and annual vaccination to limit spread.
The Field Epidemiology and Disease Surveillance Division of National Institute of Health regularly monitors the situation and has also issued Seasonal Awareness and Alert Letters (SAAL) for awareness of doctors regarding epidemic-prone diseases including Influenza. This advisory along with awareness materials is also available at National Institute of Health website; www.nih.org.pk
A delegation from Timor-Leste, headed by Ms Veronica Das Dores, Minister of Social Solidarity and Inclusion, on a...
Pakistani Ambassador to China Khalil Hashmi seen in this image. — APP/FileIslamabad:China-Pakistan investment and...
In this image, Child Protection Institute building can be seen. — X/@mohrpakistan/File Islamabad: Child Protection...
The National University of Modern Languages building seen in this image released on November 11, 2022. —...
President of the International Islamic University Islamabad , Prof Dr Hathal bin Hamoud Al-Otaibi, and Rector IIUI, Dr...
A representational image of a handcuffed person behind bars. — AFP/FileRawalpindi:In a significant breakthrough,...