KARACHI: Jinnah Sindh Medical University Institute of Family Medicine has advised patients, employees and parents to get their children aged six months and older to take preventive steps against the spread of influenza disease.
Experts stressed that the vaccination is safe to be administered in children and the ideal time to get vaccinated is by the end of October, however, vaccination after October can still provide protection.
A report shared by the Chairperson Institute of Family Medicine-JSMU Kiran Zeeshan highlighted that the most common health conditions seen so far are chronic in nature, with the growing ratio of 19.72% Diabetes Mellitus and 18.31% Hypertension and 13.38% of patients with severe fever. The common causes of fever were Covid-19, viral and bacterial upper respiratory tract infections, Malaria, Dengue, and Pneumonia.
The other reasons for consultation included obesity, dyslipidemia, vitamin deficiency, anemia and dyspepsia. Majority of clinic visits were from Cantt, Saddar, Lalabad Goth, Korangi, JPMC Malir and Garden. Vice Chancellor JSMU Professor Amjad Siraj Memon said that the Family Medicine Department deals with patients from all age groups which includes neonates, adolescents, and elderly population. It becomes easier, affordable and more accessible for patients to consult one doctor who can take care of all of their health needs, he stressed.
Dr Kiran Zeeshan also said that it is imperative that people get vaccinated as a preventive measure to control the spread of seasonal influenza infection. It is advisable to wear mask when sick to prevent spread of the infection to others; Maintaining a healthy life style with regular exercise and balanced diet is a key to good health through all the seasons, she added.
The conditions commonly identified in patients included Dyslipidemia, Thyroid Dysfunction, Obesity, Osteoarthritis, Anemia, Fever, Urinary Tract Infections, Fatty Liver, Depression, Dyspepsia, Asthma and COPD. In addition, women were diagnosed with gynecological problems, whereas, children were diagnosed with diarrhea, anemia, malnutrition, worm infestation, vitamin deficiency, acute fever and growth retardation, she said. The Institute also provides preventive care, counseling and health screening to all JSMU students and employees.