There has been a concerning increase in respiratory diseases in Karachi, with influenza H1N1 being the most commonly reported. Medical professionals are urging residents to wear masks to reduce the spread of the virus.
Dr. Irfan Siddiqui, an emergency department doctor at Jinnah Hospital, stated that the hospital is facing a shortage of H1N1 influenza vaccines, causing challenges for patients. Both the OPD (Outpatient Department) and emergency departments at the hospital are receiving an increasing number of H1N1 cases. Unfortunately, the government has not yet provided the vaccines, which are typically imported from abroad. As a result, patients are being forced to purchase the vaccines at their own expense.
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Dr. Siddiqui also noted that there is no dedicated ward for H1N1 cases at the hospital, as it is not classified as a high-risk disease. However, patients with pre-existing life-threatening conditions who contract H1N1 may need to be admitted to the ICU. Children under five, adults over 65 and pregnant women are particularly vulnerable, and if untreated, the disease can develop into pneumonia.
He also urged citizens to take preventive measures, seek medical attention promptly and emphasised the importance of timely treatment.
Professor Saeed Khan, an expert in infectious diseases, explained that respiratory illnesses tend to increase during the winter season. Monitoring has shown that the majority of reported cases are from the H1N1 subtype of influenza A. He stressed the importance of timely vaccination to reduce the spread of influenza.
The Sindh Health Department has reported 248 cases of respiratory diseases, with 119 confirmed H1N1 cases. Hospital staff are being provided with protective kits and precautions, such as wearing masks and maintaining social distancing, are being enforced.
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