Influenza Cases May Rise With Onset Of Winter Season: Child Specialist

As the mercury dips and the weather turns dry, the number of children suffering from respiratory diseases is rising. And with an influenza scare in some parts of the country, health experts have suggested vaccination against the virus as a precaution against the seasonal flu.

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 23rd Oct, 2018 ) :As the mercury dips and the weather turns dry, the number of children suffering from respiratory diseases is rising. And with an influenza scare in some parts of the country, health experts have suggested vaccination against the virus as a precaution against the seasonal flu.

Child specialist Dr Zubair Arshad talking to private news channel said that the number of patients complaining of ailments such as flu, fever and nausea, were on the rise due to the change in weather. Moreover, he warned that people are more prone to catching germs due to the prevailing spell of dry weather.

"Winter is the season for cold and flu, so people must keep warm," he advised.

Another health expert pointed out that this is the season when children face the most problem.

"People, especially children, can face different allergies in this season such as itchy eyes, runny nose and sore throat," he said.

He added that everyone, young or old and especially kids are severely affected by flu and cough. He advised people to take some precautionary steps since care was the best way to prevent allergy.

"Bacterial and viral infections are quite common in children during winter. Their immune system is not properly developed and during winter, their immunity weakens," he said, adding that dust and pollution in the air are another threat to children's health in winter.

Meanwhile, the experts suggested that citizens vaccinate themselves against the virus to prevent the seasonal flu. "Influenza vaccination is also strongly recommended by the World Health Organisation on a yearly basis," said Dr Zubair.

A rapid spread of flu cases is being seen this season worldwide, including in Pakistan, where influenza type A and B are topping the charts, he added.

"Prevention is the key," doctor noted, adding that in some cases influenza may cause complications such as pneumonia.

"The number of cases would have decreased if people had taken their vaccinations at the right time," he said, advising that people should have opted for the shot in the fall.

Responding to a question, he said that children, pregnant women and people who suffer from chronic lung and heart diseases are the most vulnerable to influenza.

He said that there were four Primary types of seasonal influenza including type A, B, C and D. Of these, influenza A and B circulate and cause seasonal epidemics.

He warned that unless these symptoms are treated properly, they could lead to lower tract infection, laryngitis, bronchitis, lungs infection and pneumonia, which could become fatal.

Specialist advised the health departments to launch a public awareness campaign and that patients suffering from influenza should be kept in isolation wards.