The Health Department has issued an emergency advisory in view of the risks of influenza.
The health advisory has been prepared on the recommendations of the National Institute of Health (NIH) Islamabad, which includes comprehensive guidelines for the prevention, control, and treatment of influenza. According to the Health Department, there is a risk of an influenza virus outbreak in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa until April.
The Health Department further stated that influenza cases are likely to increase from November to April; therefore, elderly people, children under the age of five, and pregnant women should remain cautious, while patients with chronic diseases should take special preventive measures.
The Health Department has also instructed all hospitals in the province to take necessary actions. It was also stated that after an increase in influenza cases in Japan, Singapore, and Thailand, an alert has been issued.
The Health Department has termed the influenza vaccine an effective preventive measure. According to the department, maintaining hand hygiene and wearing masks can help reduce the spread of the virus.
