LAHORE: A total of 34 suspected cases of H1N1 influenza have been reported so far in Punjab this year with only one case confirmed positive whereas last year 443 cases were reported resulting in 31 deaths.

This was stated by World Health Organization (WHO) National Professional Officer for Surveillance and Response Dr Jamshaid Ahmad at an awareness seminar on pandemic influenza here at the University of Health Sciences (UHS) on Thursday.

Terming injectable influenza vaccine the best immunity for those under threat, Dr Ahmad advised the affected person to adopt preventive measures like coughing etiquette, social isolation, washing of hands, use of masks, rest and diet.

He said influenza viruses had been a common cause of acute respiratory illnesses, especially during the winter season. “Since 2010, H1N1 influenza virus has moved into the post-pandemic period with the potential for local outbreaks. Since then regional outbreaks are reported in different parts of the world,” he said.

Last year virus caused 31 deaths

Regarding the global perspective of influenza, Dr Ahmad highlighted the epidemiology of seasonal influenza and emergence of pandemic influenza viruses.

“Swine and animal origin influenza transmits to humans rarely and every year there are cases of seasonal influenza to which the people have some previous immunity. However, when novel influenza viruses emerge, humans lack defence mechanism or immunity and the infections occur in all age groups including young healthy adults,” he said while clarifying that the currently circulating H1N1 virus has not been ‘Swine Flu’ but a seasonal influenza virus.

Dr Azhra Parveen, an infectious diseases expert at the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital, Lahore, said influenza has three major types.

“Influenza A is more significant as it is found in many animal species besides humans and there are increased chances for emergence of novel sub-types as evidenced by influenza pandemics during the last century,” she said while adding that people at high risk for complications from the flu included health workers, children, pregnant women and people above 65 years of age.

Dr Hina Jawaid, Assistant Professor at UHS Department of Family Medicine, said safety and preventive measures for all influenza viruses were important. She spoke on control and preventive strategies and explained about the high risk groups, availability and use of anti-viral medicines and recommendations for the use of vaccination.

She said while H1N1 influenza was not as scary as it seemed a few years ago, but protection against getting it was still important.Dr Yaseen Abdullah of UHS public health department discussed WHO infrastructure and strategies to control pandemic influenza. He compared national policies and strategies for influenza control with other state policies.

Published in Dawn, September 22nd, 2017