KARACHI, Dec 13: Fluctuating temperatures, particularly during day and night hours, coupled with decline in humidity is increasingly exposing Karachiites to a wide range of viruses including influenza.

Influenza has emerged to be the commonest of the ailments particularly affecting children. Incidence rate of the very disease is registered to be 50 per cent more among children as compared to adult population.

The affected people could be witnessed with running nose, cough and high grade fever with backache and neck pain commonly experienced in grown-up patients. Physicians opined that since the above mentioned features were also symptomatic to malaria, hence, influenza is often misdiagnosed as malaria and the concerned patients were offered treatment for malaria instead of influenza.

Seeking adequate examination of the patients on part of doctors, they reminded that no antibiotics or anti-malarial were required to treat influenza. Avoiding exposure to fast blowing air, particularly on part of motorcyclists and people availing public transport, was also said to be almost necessary to prevent the ailment that could further be complimented with total bed rest for early recovery.

Prof Iqbal Memon of Civil Hospital's Paediatrics Department while talking to APP here on Monday referred to the unusual turn out of children, mainly below three years of age reporting with the condition. Weather has led to the onset of the disease, he said. However, he added, influenza was a self limiting condition and medication was generally not required.

"But, it must be ensured that children if appearing very irritable and found with inflating fever or frequent bouts of vomiting besides wheezing must be immediately referred to a qualified doctor," he said.

According to him, this is extremely important to ensure that high fever and vomiting are not the symptoms of any other serious health related problem requiring urgent intervention. He said that mostly children up to eight years were being brought to local hospitals.

Physicians also advised people to get vaccinated against influenza. Vaccination could be recommended as influenza was contagious, said Dr Mobina Agboatwala adding that those allergic to egg must not go for the option.

It was opined that due care towards personal hygiene, complete bed rest and regular intake of fluids as juices of seasonal fruit, soups and semi-liquid food be ensured. -APP