Staff Report
ISLAMABAD: The National Institute of Health (NIH) on Sunday advised citizens to adopt special protective measures for limiting influenza virus transmission in the prevailing high-risk season.
NIH said in its advisory that if someone is ill or has been in close contact with patients with flu-like illness, they should take precautionary measures to prevent the disease.
These measures included thorough and frequent hand washing with soap, use of hand sanitizer, covering nose and mouth while coughing and sneezing, taking rest when sick, adopting social distancing measures, and avoiding crowds.
It said that patients with chronic diseases like diabetes, asthma, lung problems, and cardiac diseases, besides pregnant women, children under 5 years, and elderly people, are at higher risk of developing complicated or severe diseases.
It said that NIH has also asked health officials and other stakeholders to ensure taking protective and controlling steps for seasonal influenza. Health officials have been advised to take measures for preparation to deal with the increased workload in the in-patient and out-patient departments during these days.
Influenza virus spreads through sneezing, coughing
The advisory said the influenza virus could spread through sneezing or coughing or contaminate hands and other surfaces.
It said vaccination was the most effective way to avoid infection and severe results caused by influenza viruses, especially in high-risk groups.
