ISLAMABAD: Dr. Javed Akram, the interim Health Minister of Punjab, on Tuesday pleaded for increased vigilance among the public due to escalating air pollution causing heavy smog in the region. There has been a surge in flu-like symptoms, particularly affecting the elderly population.
In an interview with a private news channel, Dr. Akram suggested that the cause of the rising health concerns could be the “COVID-19 virus. He emphasized that viruses currently impact citizens’ health, with children and older people being more vulnerable.
Dr. Akram urged residents to receive the seasonal influenza vaccine promptly. He expressed concern about a notable rise in respiratory infections, including influenza A, B, and other strains, being reported in hospitals.
To combat the spread of the influenza virus, he advised citizens to use face masks, practice social distancing, and maintain proper hand hygiene. Additionally, adopting a healthy lifestyle was highlighted as a crucial factor in the fight against illnesses.
The minister called on authorities to proactively raise awareness about the flu, educating the public about symptoms and precautions related to influenza A and B.
Dr. Akram cautioned that individuals with chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, cardiac and lung diseases, pregnant women, the elderly, and children under five years old are at a higher risk of developing severe or complicated diseases. —APP
