INFLUENZA is a viral infection transmitted through the air by coughing, sneezing, shaking hands with an infected person, by touching an object that was previously touched or infected by someone with flu.

Symptoms appear almost usually within two to three days. The most common symptoms are chill, fever, sore throat, body ache, headache, coughing, weakness, fatigue and gastrointestinal symptoms which are common in children.

Influenza is highly contagious and it is very common in schoolgoing children. Influenza and its compilation can be severe. Some of the complications caused by Influenza are pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infection and ear infection.

Flu can be prevented through flu shots, washing hands frequently, keeping common surface area clean and disinfected.

Infected persons should stay away from public places.

Government health departments, hospitals, schools, colleges and universities should take steps to create awareness among people to take part in the vaccination programme to prevent this contagious virus.

DR SHIREEN NAZIR Karachi