Doctors warn against seasonal influenza during cold snap
Experts say viral infections are capable of being transmitted from person to person within hours
PHOTO: AFP
MULTAN:
As the mercury dips and the weather turns dry, the number of people suffering from respiratory diseases is steadily rising in the city. Health experts have suggested citizens get vaccinated against the seasonal flu, Express News has learnt.
Several citizens, including children, have complained of ailments such as the flu, fever and nausea which are on the rise due to the changing weather. Patients suffering from seasonal influenza throng hospitals in large numbers. Majority of the patients have been reported at Nishtar Hospital, Children’s Complex, Shehbaz Sharif District Hospital and Civil Hospital.
In view of the prevailing dry spell, people are prone to catching germs. During winter, people, especially children, are more susceptible to allergies which can cause itchy eyes, a runny nose and a sore throat.
Health experts said that simple precautions, such as properly washing one’s hands and covering the face while coughing or sneezing, can reduce the spread of such infections.
They added that since the early onset of winter, people must take care to stay warm in order to avoid the cold, the flu and dry skin, which are all symptoms of respiratory ailments.
They maintained that a number of precautionary measures can be taken, such as maintaining a distance from hospitals that have a large number of patients with respiratory problems.
Experts highlighted that viral infections spread like wildfire and are capable of being transmitted from person to person within hours during winter.
They added that children are the most vulnerable to such infections, adding that diarrhoea, skin disorders and dryness are common issues.
They said that there are four primary types of seasonal influenza, including type A, B, C and D. Of these, influenza A and B circulate and cause seasonal epidemics.
They elaborated that influenza vaccines cover several variants of the virus. Even if the virus is not closely related, other viruses in the vaccine are likely to be closely related and therefore offer good protection.
Meanwhile, doctors recommend taking a series of steps to protect one’s self against influenza. These include regularly washing one’s hands and properly drying them. Further, one should adopt good respiratory hygiene such as covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. It is also best to isolate one’s self if they feel unwell, feverish or display other symptoms. In addition to this, one should also keep a distance when interacting with patients.
They warned that unless these symptoms are treated properly, they can lead to lower tract infections, laryngitis, bronchitis, lung infections and pneumonia, which can become fatal. They advised health departments to launch a public awareness campaign in this regard.
As the mercury dips and the weather turns dry, the number of people suffering from respiratory diseases is steadily rising in the city. Health experts have suggested citizens get vaccinated against the seasonal flu, Express News has learnt.
Several citizens, including children, have complained of ailments such as the flu, fever and nausea which are on the rise due to the changing weather. Patients suffering from seasonal influenza throng hospitals in large numbers. Majority of the patients have been reported at Nishtar Hospital, Children’s Complex, Shehbaz Sharif District Hospital and Civil Hospital.
In view of the prevailing dry spell, people are prone to catching germs. During winter, people, especially children, are more susceptible to allergies which can cause itchy eyes, a runny nose and a sore throat.
Health experts said that simple precautions, such as properly washing one’s hands and covering the face while coughing or sneezing, can reduce the spread of such infections.
They added that since the early onset of winter, people must take care to stay warm in order to avoid the cold, the flu and dry skin, which are all symptoms of respiratory ailments.
They maintained that a number of precautionary measures can be taken, such as maintaining a distance from hospitals that have a large number of patients with respiratory problems.
Experts highlighted that viral infections spread like wildfire and are capable of being transmitted from person to person within hours during winter.
They added that children are the most vulnerable to such infections, adding that diarrhoea, skin disorders and dryness are common issues.
They said that there are four primary types of seasonal influenza, including type A, B, C and D. Of these, influenza A and B circulate and cause seasonal epidemics.
They elaborated that influenza vaccines cover several variants of the virus. Even if the virus is not closely related, other viruses in the vaccine are likely to be closely related and therefore offer good protection.
Meanwhile, doctors recommend taking a series of steps to protect one’s self against influenza. These include regularly washing one’s hands and properly drying them. Further, one should adopt good respiratory hygiene such as covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. It is also best to isolate one’s self if they feel unwell, feverish or display other symptoms. In addition to this, one should also keep a distance when interacting with patients.
They warned that unless these symptoms are treated properly, they can lead to lower tract infections, laryngitis, bronchitis, lung infections and pneumonia, which can become fatal. They advised health departments to launch a public awareness campaign in this regard.