ISLAMABAD: While flu cases usually increase in Pakistan from December to February during winter, the Centre for Disease Control (CDC) of National Institutes of Health (NIH) has issued an advisory regarding prevention of seasonal influenza.
As per the advisory, influenza viruses may present with mild symptoms but may progress to severe illness, particularly in highrisk individuals i.e. patients with chronic diseases (such as asthma, diabetes, cardiac and lung diseases, etc.) pregnant women, elderly, children under five years are at higher risk of developing severe or complicated disease.
`Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent infection and severe outcomes caused by influenza viruses ... can spread from person to person through coughing or sneezing or can contaminated hands or other surfaces,` it stated.
Thorough hand washing with soap and water, use of hand sanitiser, covering mouth and nose while sneezing or coughing and taking social distancing can prevent the spread of virus.
