Viral pneumonia may prove to be more deadly if neglected

Islamabad : Viral pneumonia may prove to be more deadly and may kill more patients than dengue fever in the winter season if the concerned government authorities and individuals do not give due attention to its prevention and control.

It is important to make the public aware of the fact that influenza virus has peak activity in the months of January and February and the most virulent strains of flu including subtypes of influenza A, H1N1 and H3N2 along with influenza B have already been detected in a number of patients. Many patients with complications of flu have been undergoing treatment in intensive care units of various hospitals both in the public and private sectors in this region of the country.

Influenza A and B viruses are circulating in the environment though influenza A cases are on the rise and influenza A H1N1, seasonal flu is more prevalent. The National Institute of Health, Islamabad has already reported that influenza A H3N2 is causing serious respiratory illness among people across Pakistan. This year, the influenza outbreak seems to be hitting the population more severely.

Data collected by ‘The News’ has revealed that the number of cases with health threats caused by flu particularly influenza A virus in this region of the country is registering a sharp increase and the viral pneumonia, the flu strains cause, have emerged as a serious health threat.

Studies reveal that viral pneumonia is an infection of lungs caused by a virus and the most common cause is the flu, though one may get viral pneumonia from the common cold and other viruses. These nasty germs usually stick to the upper part of the respiratory system but the trouble starts when they get down into lungs and then the air sacs in lungs get infected and inflamed, and they fill up with fluid.

The ICUs of almost all public sector hospitals in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi are overburdened and majority of the cases are with pneumonia requiring ventilator supported beds. Almost none of the public sector hospitals in the twin cities has vacant ventilator supported beds at the moment mainly because of the huge number of patients.

Health experts believe that the further spread of flu leading to pneumonia may make the situation worse in the days to come. Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that can be bacterial, fungal or viral but some features are specific to viral pneumonia that need urgent interventions.

It is worth mentioning that influenza A H1N1 or swine flu, now known as seasonal flu outbreak of 2017-2018 killed more people in the year than any other disease. Equally virulent strains of viruses are prevalent in our population. The syndrome starts with fever, cough, throat rash, sinusitis and flu symptoms. Nothing happens in majority of the cases as viral influenza is self-limiting and only paracetamol is enough for relieving symptoms. However, one to five per cent of flu and respiratory tract infections lead to viral pneumonia, respiratory failure, Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), Sepsis and multi-organ dysfunction and death.

The warning signs of viral pneumonia include breathlessness that rapidly develops to respiratory distress. Other warning signs are increase in breathing rate, cough with blood, drowsiness, irritability, extreme fatigue and intractable chest pain. Chest radiographs show fluffy shadows and infiltrates in both lungs. Once this develops, the majority of patients need hospital admission and in many cases, ICU is required.

Experts say that it is time to follow preventive measures including administration of vaccine against flu and vaccine against pneumonia in those with pre-existing lung diseases like asthma, COPD and those with past history of pneumonia. Avoid cold and try to remain inside homes during the night and early in the morning. One should cover oneself and nose properly if staying outside in the extreme cold and must report to the nearest healthcare facility immediately in case of any warning signs of pneumonia.