Prompt diagnosis and early treatment make a difference in cure of viral swine flu, say experts. Nineteen swine flu cases have been confirmed in Sindh province in the month of January alone, whereas samples of 96 other suspected patients await laboratory results.
Medical experts say that the onset of swine flu symptoms including flu, running nose, sore throat, fever, shivering, and body pain suspected patient should see a qualified doctor immediately and if present of swine flu virus confirmed in blood test. Anti-viral medicines should be given to the patients within 36 hours, as after this period the anti-viral treatment might not be that effective. After the initial symptoms, the patient may face dry cough, worsening in three to five days, leading to pneumonia and other respiratory complications that might prove fatal.
President of Infection Control Society and assistant professor at Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS) Dr Rafiq Khanani says swine flu is a treatable disease. He said affected patient might recover within a week. He said people after catching swine flu virus should adopt a voluntarily isolation at home and avoid going outdoors.
He was of the opinion that saving emergency cases, these patients should not visit hospitals and clinics as they might spread virus to other people. He said antiviral drug TAMIFLU (oseltamivir phosphate) is only in the first two days; however, in later stages suitable antibiotic drugs could be used in consultation with doctors.
Medical Superintendent at Sindh Services Hospital Dr Aslam Pechoho said his hospital has already set up a four-bed isolation ward for the swine flu patients; however, no swine flu patient was admitted as yet in the facility. He said all required medicines and trained staff is present in the hospital to treat swine flu cases.
Dr Khalid Hussain of Sindh Government Children Hospital Nazimabad said some cases of swine flu in children have been reported in Karachi, which is a worrisome trend. He said children due to their weak immunity system are highly vulnerable to viral infections and their parents should consult doctors if they find flu symptoms in their kids. He said patients, their attendants and medical care providers should wear protective masks. He stressed for vigorous awareness campaigns about the viral swine flu disease.
Expert of chest and pulmonary diseases at Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS) Dr Ashraf Sadiq said the antiviral medication in swine flu cases is effective only during first 36 hours as after this period antiviral therapy may not be particularly effective. He said swine flu after initial symptoms of flu, runny nose and fever may turn into severe dry cough and finally pneumonia and other acute respiratory complication which might require emergency medical intervention and hospitalization in intensive care.
Noted ENT surgeon and ex-Secretary General of Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) Karachi Dr Qaiser Sajjad says about five cases of swine flu are being reported in Karachi on daily basis, which is an alarming situation. He said swine flu transfers from person to person and can take epidemic shape. He said there is, however, no need of panic, as in many cases this disease is cured without any complication.
He said the affected patients should take adequate rest at home and avoid meeting with other people. He said the government must ensure proper diagnostic and treatment arrangements for swine flu patients at district hospital level. He said the government, medical community and media should play their due role in raising awareness of people and telling them to take proper precautionary measures.
In charge Swine Flu Surveillance Cell in the Sindh Health Department, Dr Suresh Kumar said in the ongoing month, so far 19 swine flu cases have already been confirmed in Sindh province, and about 96 samples of other suspected patients sent to influenza laboratory of Civil Hospital Karachi for test.
Sindh Health Minister Dr Sagheer Ahmed told TNT that the medical superintendents of all government hospitals in Sindh province have already been asked to set special isolation wards in their facilities for the swine flu patients.
He said they are also asked to arrange at least one seminar every week to raise awareness about the disease. He said swine flu cases are detected in Karachi on daily basis and the government is taking all-out efforts to control the disease. Banners and posters are being displayed in streets and roads while awareness pamphlets distributed amongst citizens, he said.
The minister said a sophisticated laboratory for the testing of swine flu has been established in the CHK, where these tests are conducted without any charge. He urged the people to avail these facilities present in the government hospitals.
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