Hospitals in Karachi are being frequented by almost equal numbers of dengue fever patients, as well as those suspected to be suffering from swine flu. The two ailments are fortunately not fatal and could be efficiently handled, if attended in time.
Doctors talking to APP here on Saturday said current season of the dengue cases, that commenced in late September, has affected a significant number of people mainly men aged between 20 to 30 years. Dr Nasim Salahuddin from Indus Hospital, Korangi, said there, however, had been very few deaths.
She urged that people as well as GPs, however, ought to realise that dehydration as an outcome of dengue fever need not to be addressed through drips, and that oral intake of liquid including water is preferable. As for platelet transfusion, she pointed, this is basically a supportive treatment and is not necessarily required by every patient inflicted with dengue fever. We need to set our priorities right and realise that deaths were registered among those who had developed dengue shock syndrome or reached the stage of dengue haemorrhage fever, Dr Nasim urged.
Professor Tasneem Ahsan, Executive Director, Jinnah Post Graduate Medical Centre (JPMC) reiterated need to promote preventive measures. Mentioning that dengue fever-induced mortality rates are negligible, she urged for necessary cleanliness at all levels besides frequent reminders to the citizens to keep containers of fresh water properly covered and to keep their homes and area clean.
Dr Haematologist Sarfaraz Jaffery informed that as per the scientific evidence, dengue epidemic will completes its ten-year cycle in 2015. Reminding that the situation is reflective of climatic changes and their repercussions at the local as well as global levels, the haematologist also urged that prevention and public education could be the most effective options to combat the disease. Available city data and international studies also reveal that number of dengue fever cases and its severity will also diminish with every passing year, he added.
"As for Swine Flu, this too is going to stay here with little threat to human lives, but loss of working hours and inconvenience are unavoidable," said Dr Nasim. The senior physician also referred to restricted availability of essential test facilities for the diagnosis of swine flu and the attached cost largely beyond the means of people.
Dr Seemien Jamali, Deputy Director, JPMC and in-charge of its casualty department advised people not to be panic as very few people, suffering from influenza, are actually inflicted with swine flu. "We have a full fledged and dedicated isolation ward for patients suffering from either dengue fever or swine flu and currently have no patient admitted there," she informed.
The two ailments, she stressed, are largely self-limiting and people in general have to understand that a little care on their part will help them have absolute recovery. Doctors, however, with particular regard to dengue fever, said individuals who may have already been inflicted with dengue fever, during one or the other past seasons need to be extremely careful, preferably ensuring prevention against it.
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