Dr Jamshaid Ahmed, National Professional Officer, Surveillance and Response, while addressing an awareness seminar on pandemic influenza, jointly organised by UHS Public Health and Family Medicine departments, at the University, said that 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," he said.
Dr Jamshaid further said that influenza viruses are common cause of acute respiratory illnesses especially during the winter season. "Since 2010, H1N1 influenza virus has moved into the post-pandemic period with potential for local outbreaks. Since then, regional outbreaks are reported in different parts of the world," he added.
Highlighting global perspective of influenza, Dr Jamshaid said, "Swine and animal origin influenza rarely transmits to humans and every year there are cases of seasonal influenza to which the people have some previous immunity. However, when novel influenza viruses emerge, humans lack defence mechanism or immunity and the infections occur in all age groups including young healthy adults." He said that currently circulating H1N1 virus is not 'Swine Flu' but is a seasonal influenza virus.
Dr Azra Parveen, Infectious Diseases expert from Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital Lahore, said that there are three major influenza types A, B, and C. Among these, influenza-A is more significant, as it is found in many animal species besides humans; therefore, there are increased chances for emergence of novel sub-types as evidenced by influenza pandemics during the last century.
Dr Hina Jawaid, Assistant Professor at UHS Department of Family Medicine, said that safety and preventive measures of all influenza viruses are important. She spoke on control and preventive strategies and explained about the high risk groups, availability and use of anti-viral medicines and recommendations for the use of vaccination.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2017