In a troubling development, the province of Punjab has witnessed a rapid surge in pneumonia cases, resulting in the loss of 12 more lives.

According to recent data, the death toll due to pneumonia this month has soared to 194, with an additional 2 fatalities recorded within a 24-hour period in Lahore.

In the past 24 hours, Punjab has reported a staggering 491 new cases of pneumonia, while Lahore, the provincial capital, recorded 230 fresh cases. This brings the total reported cases of pneumonia in Punjab for the year to 9,321, with Lahore alone reporting 1,546 cases and 45 associated deaths.

Vaccination measures

Responding to the critical situation, Dr Jamal Nasir, the caretaker health minister of Punjab, issued mandatory vaccination instructions for children against pneumonia on January 11.

Dr Nasir stressed that free diagnosis and treatment facilities for pneumonia are available in all government hospitals across the province.

Symptoms and causes

He highlighted common symptoms of pneumonia, including difficulty in breathing, cough, cold, and fever.

Precautions, such as ensuring children wear warm clothes and limiting exposure to cold, were stressed to protect against pneumonia. Causes of pneumonia in children were attributed to factors like lack of breastfeeding, pollution, malnutrition, prolonged exposure to cold, and weakened immune systems.

Pneumonia, even in its mild form, can pose a significant threat to life. Symptoms include phlegm and cough, fever, profuse sweating or chills, shortness of breath during normal activities, chest pain when breathing or coughing, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, and headaches. The severity of symptoms may vary based on age and health conditions.

Measures and treatment

Doctors are employing chest X-rays for accurate information about the lungs in the initial stages.

Antiviral medications are being prescribed for cases caused by viruses. Dr. Nasir urged the public to seek medical attention promptly if any symptoms arise.