NIH: Influenza Causes Respiratory Illness Across Pakistan

(CTN News) – The recent report from the National Institute of Health (NIH) has brought attention to the alarming rise influenza in severe respiratory illness cases in Pakistan.

Contrary to popular belief, COVID-19 is not the main cause of this increase, but rather the subtype H3N2 Influenza-A virus.

The rate of coronavirus cases in the country remains relatively low, less than one percent, indicating that the focus should be on addressing the influenza outbreak.

Experts in the field of health have emphasized that certain groups, such as the elderly and those with weakened immune systems, are particularly susceptible to the Influenza virus. This highlights the importance of taking necessary precautions to protect these high-risk individuals.

The NIH report also highlights the prevalence of the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) among children across the country, further contributing to the burden of respiratory illnesses.

Based on these findings, experts are advising against the use of antibiotics for treating influenza symptoms. Antibiotics are ineffective against viral infections like influenza and can contribute to the growing problem of antibiotic resistance.

Instead, they recommend implementing preventive measures such as wearing masks and practicing frequent handwashing to control the spread of the disease.

The use of masks has proven to be an effective strategy in reducing the transmission of respiratory viruses. Wearing masks not only protects the wearer but also prevents the virus from spreading to others, especially in crowded or poorly ventilated areas.

Additionally, practicing good hand hygiene, including regular handwashing with soap and water or using hand sanitizers, can significantly reduce the risk of contracting and spreading the influenza virus.

Raising public awareness and educating individuals about the importance of these preventive measures are crucial in controlling the spread of respiratory illnesses.

It is essential for people to understand the significance of these recommendations and actively incorporate them into their daily lives. By doing so, we can work towards mitigating the impact of respiratory illnesses in Pakistan.

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