Four test negative for swine flu

One patient suffering from H1N1 virus is in critical condition

MULTAN:  

At least four people, who were admitted to Multan’s Nishtar Hospital with swine flu (H1N1) symptoms, tested negative for the virus, Express News reported.

Doctors at the health facility said that five patients with swine flu symptoms were brought to the hospital a few days ago. They maintained that the blood samples of the patients were sent for tests.

Later, they added that the test reports of four of them turned out to be negative, while the results of one of the patients were being awaited.

They pointed out that the patients were identified as 28-year-old Qasim, 60-year-old Islamuddin, 35-year-old Irshad and 53-year-old Ruqayya Bibi. All four have been shifted to other wards.

Meanwhile, doctors said that 65-year-old Matloon Bibi’s report was still being awaited. They revealed that 38-year-old Shaista Bibi, who tested positive for H1N1 virus two days ago, was in critical condition and being provided treatment at the intensive care unit.

Last year, more than 30 cases of H1N1, 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.

Health experts said that the injectable influenza vaccine is the best bet for those under threat. Preventive measures for those affected included coughing etiquette, social isolation, washing of hands, use of masks, rest and dietary restrictions.

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

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 out that influenza is a viral disease and it can spread from one person to another.