Awareness about swine flu/H1N1 influenza virus among the tertiary population of Lahore,Pakistan

The prevalence of pandemic and viral diseases like dengue,diphtheria,congo virus and now influenza a (h1n1) virus (swine flu) has been creating trouble among the residents of punjab,pakistan due to high mortality rates. people have not yet forgotten the dramatic spread and the resulting deaths due to dengue fever and have start facing the fear of another communicable viral disease,namely the swine flu. a study was conducted to assess the awareness about the causes,symptoms and treatment of swine flu among the tertiary population (n=286) of lahore,pakistan via a self-administered questionnaire. majority of the respondents 233(84.1%) had heard of the swine flu but did not have knowledge about the various symptoms (26%-97%),transmission factors (89%-98%) and preventive measures (91%-98%). swine flu is a serious concern and officials should take necessary steps to avoid the morbidity and mortality due to the disease. © 2017,pakistan medical association. all rights reserved.