Viral flu hits children

-Doctors advise masks, hygiene

-Schools, daycares identified as hotspots for outbreak

An influenza-like illness is making the rounds among children in Sri Lanka, causing concern among parents.

According to Dr. Maheshaka Wijayawardena, Paediatrician and Media Coordinator of the Sri Lanka College of Paediatricians, the symptoms of current influenza include fever, chills, headache, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite, and sore throat.

“This is a seasonal illness that tends to rise and fall. A couple of months ago, we saw a spike in cases, but, the numbers have now started to drop.

However, he stated measures like wearing a mask, washing hands regularly, and maintaining good hygiene could go a long way in keeping the disease at bay.” Dr. Wijayawardena said.

“Schools and daycares are identified as primary hotspots for the outbreak. Thus, parents are urged to monitor their children's health closely and refrain from sending them to schools or daycares if they exhibit any symptoms,” Dr Fernando added.

Meanwhile, Speaking to Daily Mirror, Dr. Deepal Perera, a Paediatrician at the Lady Ridgeway Children’s Hospital in Colombo, noted that a similar flu is spreading in Sri Lanka and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

“What we are seeing in Sri Lanka is a general type of flu. But in Congo, the situation is more complex as the disease is spreading in isolated areas, and the exact cause is yet to be identified.”

Dr. Perera reassured the public that the disease spreading in Congo is highly unlikely to reach Sri Lanka. “We should keep a close eye on the situation, but for now, there’s no reason to panic,” he added.