Islamabad, Flu cases usually increase in Pakistan from December to February as temperature falls during the winter season. In this context, the Center for Disease Control (CDC), National Institutes of Health (NIH) Islamabad issued an advisory regarding Prevention & Control of Seasonal Influenza.
The objective of this advisory is to alert and facilitate the health authorities and other stakeholders to ensure timely preventive and control measures encompassing preparedness to deal with increased workload expected in the outpatient and in-patient departments during next few months.
According to the advisory seasonal influenza viruses may present with mild symptoms but may progress to severe illness, particularly in high-risk individuals i.e. patients with chronic diseases (such as asthma, diabetes, cardiac and lung diseases, etc.) pregnant women, elderly people, children under 5 years are at higher risk of developing severe or complicated disease. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent infection and severe outcomes caused by influenza viruses, particularly in high-risk groups. Influenza (seasonal flu) can spread from person to person through coughing or sneezing or can contaminated hands or other surfaces.
Advisory emphasized if someone is sick or has been in close-contact with persons having flu-like illness, following preventive measures are recommended for limiting Influenza transmission:
•Frequent and thorough hand washing with soap and water and use of hand sanitizer when away from hand washing facility
•Covering mouth and nose while sneezing or coughing
•Sick patients to take rest, and avoid crowds
•Taking social distancing measures.
It is to highlight that Public Health Emergency Operations Center (PHEOC) at CDC-NIH is regularly monitoring the flu situation. CDC-NIH has also issued updated guidelines on prevention, control, and management of Influenza. The guidelines along with advisory and awareness materials are also available at NIH website; www.nih.org.pk