- Says steps taken to cope with seasonal influenza virus
ISLAMABAD, January 19: Minister for National Health Services, Saira Afzal Tarar said there is no existence of Swine flu in the country. She said seasonal influenza occurs every year and the Influenza viruses change each year. She said two type of influenza viruses, designated type A and type B are of particular public health concern, which include A/H1N1 & A/H3N2.
She stated this while addressing a press conference here on Tuesday. WHO Representative in Pakistan, Dr. Qamar ul Hassan was also present on the occasion.
The Minister said on August 10, 2010, the World Health Organization declared the H1N1 influenza pandemic over, saying worldwide flu activity had returned to typical seasonal patterns. Since then this virus has been in circulation in the human population and is termed as Influenza A/H1N1 pdm09.
The Minister said the Ministry of NHSR&C has taken a number of steps to deal with the situation arising out of spread of the virus. She said the Ministry is working closely with WHO for any regional concerns and for the provision of Oseltamivir (antiviral medicines).
She said that no anxiety or panic be spread in the public in this regards. To prevent spread of the virus, people who are ill should cover their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, stay home when they are unwell, wash their hands regularly, and keep some distance from healthy people, as much as possible. Speaking on the occasion WHO Representative in Pakistan, Dr. Qamar ul Hassan said that the current situation with influenza A (H1N1) pdm09 is not unique.-PR
