Rise of Seasonal Influenza in Pakistan: What Precautions to take?

As the temperature drops and winter season nears, Pakistan is seeing a high rise in influenza cases. This seasonal influenza is rising because of a variety of reasons but mainly due to the fact that the citizens are not taking the precautionary measures to ensure they stay safe as the season changes.

Advisory issued by CDC

The Center of Disease Control CDC of National Institute of Health has issued an advisory to the hospitals to stay later as the influenza patients will skyrocket in the next few months.

This mainly happens from December to February as the season changes abruptly and citizens are exposed to the harsh cold.

The advisory is also issued for citizens as Influenza spreads quickly and is contagious as it spreads from person to person, it is advised to protect yourself at all costs. Even though Influenza is not considered to be a deadly disease, it can become one for children under 5 and for older people.

Precautionary Measures for Influenza

Various groups are more impacted by it because of numerous reasons. Old citizens who already have a chronic disease are more liable to develop a serious illness due to influenza because of their already present disease. Moreover, children below the age of 5 years are also likely to develop serious diseases due to influenza.

Several precautionary measures are to be taken for the prevention of influenza. It is important to wash your hands and ensure the use of hand sanitizers. As The climate changes, it’s imperative that citizens adapt to the changing temperatures and dress according to the temperature to stay safe.

 Individuals who are already suffering from influenza are to stay indoors and rest and avoid crowds. Covering your mouth as you sneeze or cough is important to reduce or minimise the outbreak. Moreover, the best way to stay safe is to get an influenza shot, this vaccine is a must for old citizens for children under the age of 5 years.