Red alert on high risk groups as influenza surges!

'Children below 2 years are among the high risk group that could be infected with influenza

A seasonal outbreak of influenza has been observed by medical experts who caution high-risk groups including children below two years, patients with long-term medical conditions and pregnant mothers to take extra precautions. 

“Seasonal peaks are observed from April, May and June and again in November, December and January,” said Dr. Jude Jayamaha, Consultant Medical Virologist, National Influenza Centre, Department of Virology, Medical Research Institute (MRI). “The MRI has identified so-called peaks and this year’s peak has been observed since January. Research and surveillance conducted by the National Influenza Centre indicates that influenza outbreaks have occurred in 2013, 2015, 2017 and 2018 during months of April, May and June.”

Symptoms include fever, cough, cold, shortness of breath in some patients, body aches, loss of appetite, difficulty to walk, conjunctivitis and fever with diarrhea in children. Dr. Jayamaha said that there’s also a spike in dengue and leptospirosis cases but that the latter doesn’t transmit from human to human. 

He further advised people to seek medical advice from a qualified medical practitioner if the aforementioned symptoms continue for two days. “Patients are advised to take paracetamol instead of taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) including brufen and diclofenac sodium as they would cause liver damage especially in children. 

If someone experiences these symptoms they are advised to hydrate themselves with whatever fluid they prefer. Parents are advised to allow children to rest at home rather than sending them to tuition classes or sports activities. Patients are further advised to rest for two more days in order to recover fully,” said Dr. Jayamaha.