LAHORE: The World Health Organization says the cases of influenza reported in Punjab were not of swine flu but of H1N1 influenza “A”, also known as seasonal flu.

While sharing information about the resurgence of seasonal influenza in Punjab in a meeting headed by Health Secretary Dr Ijaz Munir here on Monday, WHO Operational Officer Dr Babar Alam said the organization had already issued guidelines to help overcome the disease.

Health Special Secretary Farasat Iqbal, Health DG Dr Zahid Pervaiz, Professor of Epidemiology Dr Farkhanda Kokab, Institute of Public Health Dean Prof Muaz Ahmed, Punjab Information Technology Board DG Chaudhry Muhammad Omer, Professor of Medicines of King Edward Medical University Dr Irshad Ahmed, and Health Additional Secretary (Technical) Dr Salman Shahid also attended the meeting besides other government officers.

Dr Zahid informed the meeting that guidelines of WHO and Standard Operating Procedures for diagnosis and treatment of influenza “A” patients had been circulated to all public sector hospitals and health institutions. “A sufficient stock of tamiflu tablets is available in health department and this medicine has also been provided to hospitals.”

Epidemic, Response and Control Additional Director Dr Jaffar Ilyas informed the meeting that at present no confirmed patient of H1N1 influenza was under treatment in government hospitals. He said unfortunately nine deaths had been reported due to H1N1 influenza but after April 5 no death was reported due to this virus.

Prof Farkhanda Kokab said patients of common flu should also use handkerchief and tissue papers while sneezing and refrain from going to public places.

The health secretary directed the department officers to launch an awareness campaign against H1N1 influenza “A”. He also said doctors and nurses should adopt preventive measures while examining/treatment of the patients according to the guidelines provided by the department.