People warned of flu complications

LAHORE

Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre Senior Instructor on Infectious Diseases Dr. Aun Raza has said influenza infection in the very young, elderly and those with other serious medical conditions can lead to severe complications of the underlying condition, pneumonia and death.

Dr Aun Raza in a press statement on swine flu issued on Tuesday said influenza was a viral infection that affected mainly nose, throat, bronchi and occasionally lungs. Infection usually lasts for about a week and is characterised by sudden onset of high fever, aching muscles, headache and severe malaise, non-productive cough, sore throat and rhinitis.

Dr. Raza said influenza virus was transmitted easily from person to person via droplets and small particles produced when infected people coughed or sneezed. Influenza tends to spread rapidly in seasonal epidemics. To maintain water level in the body is very important during influenza attack as the water is wasted through runny nose. He said most infected people recovered within one to two weeks without requiring medical treatment. However, special care should be given to patients of other diseases as they are more susceptible to influenza virus.

The medical staff of Shaukat Khanum Hospital is provided with vaccination annually as vaccination is the most effective way to prevent infection and severe outcomes caused by influenza viruses, said Dr. Aun Raza. Different diagnostic tests for the disease are also available at the Shaukat Khanum Diagnostic centres. In his message, Dr. Aun reiterated to maintain fluid level in body, visit physician and take ample rest. Also take measures to clean environment around you to stop the spread of influenza virus.