KARACHI: All district health offices have been instructed by the Sindh Health Department to implement the measures to stop the spread of Covid-19 and H1N1 influenza cases.
The health department stated that the taking of urgent steps was essential to prevent the surge and further transmission of the diseases, viewing the prevailing cold weather, it emerged on Monday.
It is pertinent here to mention that Geo News recently aired a report about the spread of Covid-19 and H1N1 influenza cases, following which the Sindh Health Department swung into action.
The department has directed all the district health officers for implementation of the guidelines as well as strengthening of active surveillance for Covid-19 and H1N1 cases across all healthcare facilities in their respective districts.
"Ensure timely and accurate reporting of suspected and confirmed cases from healthcare facilities and labs to the provincial health office. Ensure the availability and use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and other essential supplies at all healthcare facilities,” the provincial department said.
It ordered the health officers to educate the community regarding use of seasonal influenza vaccination among vulnerable groups, including healthcare workers, elderly individuals, and patients with chronic conditions.
They were also directed to reinforce IPC (Infection Prevention and Control) practices in all public and private healthcare facilities and launch public awareness campaigns focusing on preventive measures such as mask-wearing, hand hygiene, and social distancing.
"Disseminate information about the symptoms of Covid-19 and H1N1 and the importance of seeking timely medical care," the department commanded, adding weekly situation reports should be submitted to the office, detailing the number of cases, interventions undertaken, and any challenges faced.
It directed to ensure strict compliance with the above instructions and prioritise the matter to safeguard public health.
At least 30% of patients experiencing cold and cough symptoms are testing positive for COVID-19 in the megalopolis, Geo News reported on January 18.
According to Professor Saeed Khan, an infectious disease specialist at Dow University Hospital, a significant number of people in the city are suffering from cold, cough, and fever.
Tests reveal that 25% to 30% of these patients are positive for Covid-19. Additionally, 10% to 12% of patients are diagnosed with Influenza H1N1, while 5% to 10% of children are suffering from respiratory tract infections.
Professor Khan noted that the symptoms of Covid-19, Influenza H1N1, and other winter-related viral infections are similar. Many patients refrain from testing, leading to undiagnosed cases of these illnesses.
On the other hand, Sindh Minister for Health Azra Pechuho urged the masses not to panic amid reports of Covid-19’s spread in Karachi.
Upon testing more than 100 people, seven were found positive for Covid-19, Azra said, adding coronavirus tests were conducted as a precautionary measure on people with seasonal flu and influenza.
"Covid-19-positive individuals has very mild flu-like symptoms. Due to mild symptoms, individuals infected with Covid-19 were sent home," says the minister.
She said the contagious disease was now being treated like the flu worldwide.
"Covid-19 is now like a seasonal flu, [so] there is absolutely no need to panic," she maintained.
Elimination of such data "creates dangerous gap in scientific information, data to monitor", say health agencies
A letter seeking comprehensive surveillance was sent to airport authorities, requesting passenger details
US official expresses interest in collaborating with Pakistan to meet need of healthcare professionals
Experts say that your entire day is set by how you start your morning
Spokesperson says "both research-related and natural origin scenarios of the COVID-19 pandemic remain plausible"
KP official says public health reference lab confirmed mpox detection, shifted patient to Police Services Hospital