The National Institute of Health (NIH) has confirmed that so far 59 positive cases of swine flu (H1N1 virus) have been reported throughout the country. They said that 24 cases were reported from Punjab, 13 from Federal Capital, 13 from Karachi and nine from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.
Due to increase in reported cases of swine flu, citizens have demanded the authorities concerned to take precautionary measures to monitor the disease. They called for deploying health officials at international airports, seaports and border posts for screening of suspected travellers.
They also appealed to install thermal scanners at entry points to detect cases and make ensure availability of swine flu pre-pandemic vaccine at hospitals.
They said that like past practice, a circular should be issued to all educational institutions directing them to inform parents that children with flu like symptoms might not be sent to schools.
Dr Wasim Khawaja of Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) said H1N1 is a communicable disease, which spreads through sputum, saliva, nasal discharge and sneezing of confirmed infected person.
He said the main symptoms of disease are headache, fever, soaring throat, troublesome breathing, cough and body ache, chill, fatigue, abdominal pain, diarrhea and severe vomiting.
He said serious signs of swine flu are worse cough, pneumonia, pain or pressure in chest, rapid breathing, bluish or grey skin colour, low blood pressure due to dehydration, no desire of liquid intake, dizziness and confusion, very high body temperature and respiratory failure.