Rawalpindi: Three allied hospitals in the town have been receiving a significantly higher influx of patients with seasonal flu and respiratory tract infections even after a rain spell while the number of chronic patients being presented with complications is also on the rise.
The confirmation of seasonal flu among the native residents confirmed the presence of seasonal flu virus in the environment.
A number of patients reported at public and private sector hospitals might be infected with seasonal flu without knowing it and they got cure because in majority of the cases, the infection is self-limiting, said Department of Infectious Diseases Head at the HFH Professor Dr. Muhammad Mujeeb Khan.
He added the illness caused by seasonal flu tends to be more severe in the elderly, in infants and children along with those whose immunity is being compromised due to chronic diseases like diabetes, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, heart disease or any other infection.
He added that it is hardly possible to collect exact data regarding the number of patients of seasonal flu. It is also observed that a number of patients opt for home remedies.
Typical influenza symptoms include fever with abrupt onset, chills, sore throat, non-productive cough and often accompanied by headache, coryza (Inflammation of the mucous membranes lining the nasal cavity, usually causing a running nose, nasal congestion and loss of smell), myalgia (muscular pains) and prostration.
Complications of influenza viral infection include primary influenza viral pneumonitis, bacterial pneumonia, otitis media (inflammatory diseases of the middle ear) and exacerbation of underlying chronic conditions. Death resulting from seasonal influenza occurs mainly in the elderly and in individuals with pre-existing chronic diseases.
After a continuous fall in mercury, the number of cases with RTIs particularly involving throat and chest are on the rise causing serious complications among the patients suffering from chronic diseases including high blood pressure and diabetes, said Professor Mujeeb.
He added a significant rise in the number of patients with cardiac problems, hypertension and coronary heart disease facing complications is being witnessed at the healthcare facilities.
Published in The NEWS on January 11, 2025.
