The situation of seasonal Influenza is not epidemic:The experts

Lahore: Advisor to Chief Minister Punjab on Health, Kh. Salman Rafiq presided over a meeting of Provincial Technical Committee for HI, NI Influenza Control at committee room of King Edward Medical University today. Vice Chancellor Professor Faisal Masood, Professor Kamran Cheema, Professor Rubina Sohail, Professor Saqib Saeed, Professor Akmal Laiq, Professor Ahsan Waheed Rathore, Dean IPH Professor Muaz Ahmed, Representative of UNICEF Dr. Tahir Manzoor, Director General Health Dr. Amjad Shahzad and Somia Iqtidar were present on the occasion.

The meeting reviewed the steps taken for H1, N1 Influenza situation and the treatment of this disease in the province especially Lahore, Rawalpindi and Multan. The experts were of the view that cases of seasonal Influenza are reported every year in winter seasonand this disease is present in a number of countries of the world. They said it is necessary to use masks at public places and gatherings to save against H1, N1 Influenza. They further said that acting upon the philosophy of Cleanliness is half faith, principles of personal hygene should be implemented. The patients of Influenza should not put their fingers in the nose and mouth and wash their hands with soap, they added. Medical experts said that tomi flu tablets should only be given to the patients under treatment in the hospitals as effectiveness of this medicine decreases with common use of these tablets.

The experts also discussed the cases regarding seasonal Influenza in India, Singapur, Turkey and other countries. They also reviewed the arrangements of personal protection of doctors and other staff working in high dependency units set up for H1, N1 Influenza patients in government hospitals. Director General Health Dr. Amjad a briefed the meeting.

The experts said that the situation of seasonal Influenza is not epidemic however the situation should be monitored and precautionary measures strictly be implemented in this regard. Public awareness should be created regarding precautionary measures of the disease, they added. They said that only one person should visit at a time for enquiring after the patients of H1, N1 Influenza in the hospitals and also use mask so that other people should not be affected due to coughing of the patients.