SRINAGAR: Rejecting the media claims of unknown infection having griped the valley, Director Health Services Kashmir (DHSK), Dr Saleem-ur-Rehman on Tuesday said that it is the normal seasonal flue which takes 10-12 days. It has been happening for past many years.
There is absolutely no need to panic about it, he asserted, its a normal seasonal virus that has got viral due to seasonal changes.
Dr Rehman, however, added, its not unknown. It takes normal course of 10-12 days.
He further said that hospitals in Kashmir had adequate supply of drugs available to treat the viral infection.
Hospitals throughout Kashmir were flooded with patients from past few days complaining of acute body aches, headaches, fever, common cold, sore throat, cough, asthenia and sometimes vomiting as well.
A doctor said that children below 05 years of age and people above 65 years of age are more prone to get the infection because of less immunity. However, they are of the view that the flu can be cured by home care and medication.
Its a normal viral infection which can take some days and people need not to be panic but should follow advisories, said Dr Nazir Mushtaq a popular physician of the valley.
People need not to take anti-biotics without consultation, he said, in extreme cases, they should take paracetamol to reduce fewer and go for complete Blood Count (CBC) and check if it shows infection.
Dr Nazir suggested people to take more fruits, nutritious and balanced diet and as much as fluid possible.
It is a self limiting disease it has its own limits, it multiplies in body then body fights against the virus and patient automatically becomes fine, he informed.
Doctors in the valley explained that the on-going weather season in Valley helps the flu spread as most viruses go on generating. It needs a mass public awareness.
Speaking to the Kashmir Observer, Medical Superintendent of G B Pant hospital, Dr K K Pandita said, it is fact that patient influx has been increasing in the hospital but we are treating it on the seasonal infection line as it is yet to be proved as a different infection because its symptoms comes in this season only.
Follow This Health Advisory
Directorate of Health services Kashmir (DHSK) on Tuesday issued an advisory for acute respiratory tract infection in Kashmir.
The acute viral respiratory tract infection is a contagious illness that spreads every year from October through spring and is commonly caused by viral pathogens, such as rhinovirus, Para-influenza, adenovirus, RSV, and influenza virus, said the DHSK.
SYMPTOMS:
The symptoms are cough, fever/ chills, sore throat, muscle aches, fatigue, head-ache or a runny or stuffy nose.
HOW VIRUS SPREADS:
From infected people to others through inhaled droplets from coughing/ sneezing.
Droplets from hands / surfaces like door knobs.
PREVENTION:
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
Stay home if you are sick.
Please stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting others.
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
Wash your hands after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose. Clean hands, save lives.
Stay away from people who are sick.
DANGER SIGNS:
Fast breathing, pain in the chest or abdomen, sudden dizziness or confusion.
Seek medical care immediately in such cases.
TREATMENT:
Please dont use antibiotics on your own.
SEEK MEDICAL HELP.
Treatment with antibiotic does not shorten the course of illness. If required your doctor will prescribe antiviral medication.
Practice good cough and sneeze etiquette. Always cough and sneeze into a tissue or your upper shirt sleeve, completely covering your mouth and nose.
Face masks are not necessary for general public.
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