Influenza virus death toll reaches 21 as two more die in Multan

MULTAN: The numbers of H1N1 influenza virus suspects and death tolls have been increasing since December last after two fresh deaths were reported in Multan and Khanewal while numbers of suspects reached to 152 after nine new virus suspects admitted in southern Punjab hospitals, health officials said on Friday.

Those died were under treatment at Nishtar hospitals’ isolation ward.

The numbers of 21 deaths have been reported in southern Punjab hospitals in the last 27 days. 80 suspects were carrying H1N1 positive out of total 152 admitted suspects.

The numbers of admitted suspects reached to 91 from 87 in Multan. The second most vulnerable district is Muzaffargarh where numbers of admitted suspects climbed from 17 to 19 while one suspect died in Khanewal. The Vehari numbers of admitted suspects reached to five from four, Layyah five suspects from four.

Senior physician Dr Sheikh Abdul Khaliq said that prevention from H1N1 is possible by using some precautionary measures.

He said that one of the most important things you can do to avoid getting H1N1 and many other viruses is to wash your hands before eating meals.

Dr Sheikh Abdul Khaliq said that getting enough sleep eight to ten hours each night for school going children through adults can be one of the best things you can do to help boost your immune system.

Make sure you're getting enough vitamin C. Oranges, orange juice, grapefruit, kiwi, strawberries and other fruits and vegetables are all good natural sources. Keep your kids (and yourself!) home from school or work if you are feeling ill.