NIH issues advisory for prevention of Seasonal Influenza.

ISLAMABAD -- The National Institute of Health (NIH) issued an advisory for the prevention and control of Seasonal Influenza in the wake of the expected upsurge of influenza cases in different parts of the country.

According to NIH, the objective of this advisory was to alert and facilitate the health authorities and other stakeholders for ensuring timely preventive and control measures encompassing preparedness to deal with the increased workload expected in the outpatient and in-patient departments during the next few months.

The advisory discussed that Influenza (seasonal flu) can spread from person-to-person through coughing or sneezing or can contaminate hands or other surfaces. It said that patients with chronic diseases (such as asthma, diabetes, cardiac and lungs diseases, etc.) pregnant women, elderly people, and children under five years are at higher risk of developing severe or complicated diseases.

The advisory said that vaccination is the most effective way to prevent infection and severe outcomes caused by influenza viruses, particularly in high-risk groups.

The advisory emphasized that if someone is sick or has been in close-contact with persons having a flu-like illness, he or she should adopt preventive measures for limiting Influenza transmission including frequent and...