KARACHI: The Sindh Health Department has issued an alert regarding the flu outbreak in Karachi after the hospitals in the provincial capital admitted an increasing number of flu patients.
Every year, hospitals across Sindh receive an increased number of influenza patients in winter. This time, however, a type of flu called swine flu (H1N1) is spreading in Karachi.
According to Dr Faisal Mehmood, the head of Aga Khan University Hospital, patients are constantly coming to the emergency, 20 to 40 patients are hospitalised with severe flu and some deaths are reported.
Dr Altaf Hussain Khatri, senior general physician, said, “The flu situation this season has been worse in comparison with recent years. I have been daily examining 30 to 40 patients for at least six weeks while a significant number of them are coming with fever, shortness of breath, cough and body aches.”
“We are constantly in touch with our colleagues who are experiencing a similar situation at clinics and hospitals,” he added while urging the public to use facemasks to contain the spread of the virus.
The public has been advised to avoid necessary gatherings and consult a doctor immediately if symptoms appear.
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Flu symptoms
The symptoms of swine flu (H1N1) are similar to the symptoms of regular flu. The symptoms may start three to five days after exposure to the virus. Symptoms may include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Body or muscle aches
- Headache
- Fatigue
Symptoms in babies and children may be different. If your baby or child has any of the following symptoms, call their healthcare provider right away:
- Trouble breathing
- Trouble waking up
- Not drinking enough fluids
- Fever with rash
- Confusion
Dr Faisal Mahmood heading the Infectious Diseases Department at the Aga Khan University Hospital said, “People often call any runny nose, cough, or fever flu. However, in medical terms, flu or influenza is a specific disease caused by the influenza virus. This can be a fairly severe infection, just like Covid. If symptoms do not improve in four to five days, especially in case of shortness of breath, one must report to a doctor.”
He added, “Second, people should not take antibiotics, if they have fever, runny nose, or a sore throat, as antibiotics can be harmful. It takes the body almost a year to recover from the effects of using them unnecessarily.”
Prevention
Ways to prevent getting and spreading swine flu (H1N1) include:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you sneeze or cough
- If you don’t have a tissue, sneeze or cough into your elbow
- Wash your hands with soap and water
- Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth
- Avoid people who are sick
- Stay home if you’re sick
- Don’t share personal items such as cups, straws and utensils
