‘Influenza’ patient admitted at Nishtar Hospital

Doctors say victim’s blood sample has been sent for testing to NIH

MULTAN:  

A 35-year-old woman, suspected of suffering from seasonal influenza (H1N1), was admitted at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital, Express News reported.

Hospital sources said that Shazia Sharif, a resident of Layyah, was admitted to the health facility after suffering from influenza symptoms, including high fever and shortness of breath.

The patient was immediately shifted to the health facility’s isolation ward for treatment. Doctors sent the victim’s blood samples for tests to National Institute of Health (NIH) Islamabad.

Last year, more than 30 cases of H1N1 influenza, a more extreme version of the virus and also known as swine flu, were reported in Punjab, whereas 443 cases were reported in 2016. At least 35 people died of influenza in November 2017 and January 2018, according to official figures.

Meanwhile, health experts said the injectable influenza vaccine is the best immunity for those under threat. Preventive measures for those affected included coughing etiquette, social isolation, washing of hands, use of masks, rest and diet.

They added that influenza viruses are a common cause of acute respiratory illnesses, especially during the winter season. They urged parents to get their children vaccinated against flu.

Experts noted that the most common symptoms of the influenza virus are fever, body aches, throat pain, runny nose, sneezing, fatigue and headaches. Upset stomachs, loose stools and vomiting are also common among children, they maintained.

They revealed that these viruses are always in the environment and in the air, but whenever they find a suitable environment, which is humidity and winter, they rapidly spread.

They pointed that out if these symptoms are not treated properly, they could lead to lower-tract infection, laryngitis, bronchitis, lung infection and pneumonia. These conditions could become fatal for the patient. Influenza is a viral disease and it could spread from one person to another.

They said people should not self-medicate practice, adding that antibiotics cannot be used for any viral disease and people should seek the opinions from qualified doctors only.