KARACHI: A six-bedded isolation ward was established in Dr Ruth KM Pfau, Civil Hospital Karachi (CHK) for treatment of suspected swine flu (H1N1) patients while medical kits are being purchased to diagnose such cases.
The decision to establish the isolation ward was taken after over two dozen swine flu cases were reported in the hospital.
Three beds in the ward are reserved for male patients while the other three are reserved for female patients.
Medical kits are also being purchased to diagnose seasonal influenza cases in the hospital.
Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center Executive Director Dr Seemin Jamali, said that protective masks have also been purchased for doctors, nurses and paramedical staff to deal with the suspected seasonal influenza cases.
Dr Seemin Jamali while advising the public about taking precautionary measures said that “Seasonal influenza is a viral disease and it can spread from one person to other. Precautionary measures should be taken by the general public to avoid complications of this viral disease. Citizens should take fresh, healthy and balanced diet; use tissue papers to clean nose, and should not hug or shake hands with others or share their glasses, plates, cups, spoons, towels or mobile phones if they are suffering from cold or flu.”
She explained that H1N1, commonly known as swine flu, is a contagious disease which spreads through droplets of the infected individuals produced when they sneeze or cough without covering their mouth or nose. Anyone nearby can get infected when they inhale these droplets.
She said people with a weak immune system generally become victims of swine flu; therefore, preventive strict measures are needed to save citizens from this deadly disease.
When contacted, Abbasi Shaheed Hospital (ASH) Medical Superintendent Dr Muhammad Anwer said that the ASH administration is fully ready to deal with any medical emergency situation in the city.
He said no suspected swine flu case has been reported in ASH so far.
Swine flu is a deadly disease and around two dozen people have already died and 120 others have been affected from this disease in South Punjab. The disease is caused by influenza virus. Symptoms of the disease include, fever, sour throat, flu, headache, body ache, cough, and upper respiratory tract infections.