Health News

Seasonal influenza affects over

 130,000 peoplei n KP in six months

Seasonal influenza has affected over 130,000 people in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) in the past six months, health officials said on Thursday.

The provincial health department said that 132,221 cases of influenza were reported across the province from July 1 to December 31, 2023.

Of the total cases, 130,596 patients recovered from the disease, while 1,625 were still under treatment.

The health department said that 24 people died of influenza in the province during the six-month period.

The majority of the cases were reported in Peshawar, where 49,231 people were infected with the virus.

Other districts with a high number of cases include Mardan (17,982), Abbottabad (15,231), and Swat (13,124).

The health department said that the number of influenza cases usually peaks in winter months.

"The virus is easily spread through coughing, sneezing, and close contact with an infected person," the department said.

The department advised people to take the following precautions to protect themselves from influenza:

• Get vaccinated against influenza.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• Stay home if you are sick.

The health department also urged people to seek medical attention if they develop any of the following symptoms:

• Fever
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Body aches
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

The health department said that early diagnosis and treatment of influenza can help to prevent complications.

Influenza is a serious illness that can cause death, especially in young children, pregnant women, and people with chronic medical conditions.

It is important to take steps to protect yourself and your family from influenza.

Here are some additional tips to prevent influenza:

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces that may be contaminated with the virus.
• Eat a healthy diet and get plenty of sleep to boost your immune system.
• Manage stress levels.

By taking these precautions, you can help to reduce your risk of getting influenza.