'H1N1 influenza epidemic to be effectively controlled in two weeks'

Technical committee on seasonal influenza H1N1, which met under the chairmanship of professor Faisal Masood Vice Chancellor University of Health Sciences here on Wednesday, observed that H1N1 influenza epidemic would be effectively controlled within two weeks. Professor of Pulmonology Services Institute of Medical Sciences (SIMS) Dr Kamran Cheema, Director General Health Services Dr Akhtar Rasheed Malik, Consultant Dr Zahid Pervez, CEO Health Lahore Dr Yaddulla and other concerned experts attended the meeting.
The meeting reviewed in detail the latest situation of the disease in the province & the steps taken by the health department for the prevention & control & the treatment of the flue patient in the hospitals. Professor Faisal Masood observed that due to the effective measures taken by the government & the change in the weather the H1N1 influenza epidemic would be effectively controlled within two weeks. He was of the view that the major reason of the deaths due to H1N1 influenza is the late reporting of the patients in the hospitals. He said that self medication & delay in coming to the hospitals make the disease complicated. He said that if the patient feels difficulty in breathing or aggravation in coughing, he or she should immediately rush to the hospital for proper treatment without any delay.
Professor Dr Kamran Cheema said that patients of seasonal influenza must use facemask & hand washing with soap. He further said that influenza patient should be kept in isolation & his relatives should avoid meeting him unnecessarily & avoiding from handshaking with the patient & they must wash their hands with soap water after visiting any such patients. Professor Faisal Masood urged upon the doctors, nurses & other relevant staff recruited for the treatment of influenza patients must use personal protective equipment to prevent themselves from the infection.
It was decided that for next season all the arrangements should be finalized in the month of September & all the staff working in the ICU & High Dependency Units along with other high-risk groups would be vaccinated against the seasonal influenza