Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) has expressed a serious concern over the recent wave of flu virus in Sindh, particularly in Karachi.
This disease is caused by Influenza virus. The common symptoms are fever, sour throat, flu, headache, body ache, cough which may be productive and upper respiratory tract infection.
The important point to be noted that if these symptoms are not treated properly they can lead to lower respiratory tract infection, laryngitis, bronchitis, lungs infection and finally pneumonia, which could become fatal for patients.
The Secretary General PMA Centre, Dr.S.M. Qaisar Sajjad who is also Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist said that Influenza is a viral disease and it could spread from one person to other. He suggested that the following pre-cautionary measures should be taken by the general public to avoid complications:
People should take fresh healthy and balanced diet.
Take 7- 8 hours night sleep.
Take plenty of water
Complete bed rest if suffering from influenza virus.
Use tissue papers to clean your nose.
If you are suffering from cold or flu, do not hug or shake hand with others and do not share your paraphernalia like glass, plate, cup, towel, mobile, pen etc.
Do not involve in self medication practice.
Antibiotic should not be used in any viral disease.
People should get treatment only from qualified doctors.
PMA suggests that government should start a massive public awareness campaign in this regard. Patients suffering from influenza should be kept in isolation wards. Provide clean and safe portable water to the patients and their attendants.
The government should adopt strict preventive measures to stop spreading the viral disease in other parts of the country. Kits to diagnose the influenza virus should be available at hospitals’ laboratories. PMA reiterates that virology labs should be established at least at all provincial capitals so that viral diseases like swine flu, dengue, Chikungunya, Zika virus Congo virus and other viruses can be diagnosed promptly.
