Swine flu experience in local population of Lahore

The Swine "flu pandemic" of 2009 was a global out break of a new strain of influenza A virus [H1N1], threatening human lives across the sphere and created a great panic in people around the world. In Pakistan, first case of swine flu was reported in August 2009. According to WHO, 12,220 deaths have been reported world wide. The current new reassorted strain has acquired two new capabilities, human to human spread and enhanced virulence. According to the center for disease control and prevention [CDC] recommendations, patients were included in the study who fulfilled the criteria of suspected, probable or confirmed case of swine flu. Eighty females and 32 males [total 112] suspected of swine flu cases included in this study. Among these 112 cases 92 patients were between the ages of 21-60 years. All the 100% patients presented with cough, fever and sore throat. Only 15% had vomiting and diarrhea in addition to common symptoms. Complication developed in 8 patients, out of which 6 cases were confirmed by Real Time - Polymerase Chain Reaction [RT-PCR] suffering from H1N1 influenza with 50% mortality rate. Clinician should include swine flu influenza A in the differential diagnosis of the patients presented with febrile respiratory illness who have been in contact, or visit the community having positive cases of influenza. Patients having flu like symptoms must stay at home for 7-10 days, avoid contact to the others, should cover nose and mouth with tissue while coughing or sneezing

Incidence of dengue haemorrhagic fever in local population of Lahore, Pakistan

Dengue virus infection is the most common mosquito born viral disease and is a major public health problem [globally]. More than 2.5 billion people in over 112 countries of the world are at risk from dengue virus. According to WHO, more than 100 million new cases of dengue fever occur world wide including dengue haemorrhagic fever [500,000] cases and Dengue Shock Syndrome [DSS] along with 2.5% mortality rate. In Pakistan incidence of dengue is increasing since 1994 and is becoming an important public health problem. Among the 341 acute cases, 166 [48.7%] were confirmed by IgM dengue specific kit, 27 [7.9%] in gray zone and 148 [43.4%] were negative. IgG was used on 200 suspected re-infected patients. Among them 79 [39.5%] were positive, 3 [1.5%] in gray zone and 118 [59%] were negative. Male to female ration was 1.25:1. Most patients presented typical sign and symptoms of fever, headache, myalgia, anorexia, malaise, skin rash and retroorbital pain in 98, 81, 75, 63, 47 and 41% respectively in descending order. Among 245 confirmed dengue fever patients 43 [17.6%] were considered dengue haemorrhagic fever cases on the basis of lab and clinical findings. More prevalence has been observed in old age [37.8%] as compared to children [7.1%] in age group 1-15 years. Continuous surveillance and education of the clinician is essential for the recognition of the risk factors of dengue haemorrhagic fever for early diagnosis and management

Cardiovascular health - behaviour of medical students in Karachi

To assess the health behaviour and perceptions of medical students towards cardiovascular disease. This descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted on 203 Pakistani medical students enrolled in a private medical college in Karachi, Pakistan using systematic random sampling. It was based on a self-administered questionnaire. Eight% smoked, 9% were overweight, 33% had a family history of coronary artery disease, 32% regulated dietary fat intake, 28% exercised regularly, 62.1% knew personal blood pressure and 5.4% personal cholesterol levels. Regarding developing cardiovascular disease in the future, 62% showed concern but only 54% of these adopted preventive practices. About 46% believed medical college life had a harmful effect on their health. Gender, family history and personal health status perception were behavior modifying influences [p<0.05]. Reasons reported for their behavior were: no need of prevention at their age [38.3%] and never thinking about these issues [37.0%]. Conclusions: The study shows a high prevalence of coronary artery disease family history, inappropriate dietary intake, physical inactivity; poor screening practices and lack of awareness. The results underscore the urgent need to promote preventive knowledge and practices among medical students, if they are to become prevention oriented physicians and counsel patients on preventive strategies to counter the rapidly increasing burden of cardiovascular diseases effectively