Advisory issued on seasonal influenza

Patients with chronic diseases and children under five years are at higher risk

ISLAMABAD:

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) National Institute of Health (NIH) Islamabad on Thursday issued an advisory on the prevention and control of seasonal Influenza (seasonal flu).

According to NIH, flu cases usually increase in Pakistan from December to February as temperature falls during the winter season. The NIH said that the objective of this advisory is to alert and facilitate the health authorities and other stakeholders to ensure timely preventive and control measures.

These measures include preparedness to deal with the increased workload expected in the outpatient and in-patient departments during the next few months. As per the advisory, seasonal influenza viruses may present with mild symptoms but may progress to severe illness, particularly in high-risk individuals. Patients with chronic diseases such as asthma, diabetes, cardiac and lung diseases, pregnant women, elderly people and children under five years are at higher risk of developing severe or complicated diseases.

Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent infection and severe outcomes caused by influenza viruses, particularly in high-risk groups.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 3^rd, 2023.