No shortage of influenza medicine at Polyclinic pharmacy

Dr Astori cautioned pregnant women, elderly and children are at high risk

ISLAMABAD: There was no shortage of WHO recommended medicine for treatment of seasonal influenza for indoor patients at the Federal Government Poly Clinic's (FGPC) pharmacy.

Dr Sharif Astori of FGPC said that a sufficient quantity of medicine was available in the hospital and dispelled the impression that there was any shortage.

He said that special arrangements had been made by the hospital management to ensure provision of best medical care to influenza patients. He advised citizens to take special preventive measures to protect themselves from such disease.

He cautioned that pregnant women, elders, very young, overweight, immune compromised and people with chronic health problems like asthma, diabetes, cardiac and lung diseases are at high-risk for developing complications due to this infection.

He added if someone is sick or been in close-contact with persons having flu-like symptoms  they should take preventive measures to limit the transmission.

Dr Astori said that vaccination is the most effective way to prevent infection and severe outcomes caused by influenza viruses particularly in high-risk groups.

He urged frequent and thorough hand washing with soap and water or hand sanitiser, avoid touching nose, mouth or eyes as the virus survives  on common surfaces, etc.

He advised patients to take rest, avoid crowds and take other social distancing measures.

He recommended young children to take leave from school if they are sick and avoid mixing and playing with other children. Patient should also cover mouth and nose and avoid contaminating hands, cough or sneeze into a tissue or the inner crook of elbow he advised.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 20^th, 2018.