Swine flu experience in local population of Lahore

ABSTRACT

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