MERS Coronavirus can be life-threatening

LAHORE: People coming from Arab states should immediately consult doctors if they experience symptoms of cough or flu as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) has become life-threatening. These views were expressed by Head of the PulmonaryDiseases, Critical Care Medicine and Sleep Medicine Departmentof the Services Hospital Professor Dr Kamran Khalid Chima while talking to the state media here on Sunday. He said 60 out of the total 139 patients affected with MERS Corona virus have died in Saudi Arabia and no medicine for the virus was available. "It transfers from human to human so care is necessary," he added. Dr Chima said the change of weather was also affecting people as they did not wear clothes that covered them properly. He said Influenza was another viral disease which could be dangerous for health during the present weather conditions, however, precautionary vaccination against it could save people from it. He also urged the concerned departments to ensure availability of anti-viral and anti-influenza medicine at stores. He said a number of Asthma patients were also increasing due to the change in weather. Dr Chima said a balanced diet was important for patients with lung diseases and they should eat high protein food like fish, eggs, juices and milk.