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Avurudu flu: Avoid crowds, don’t infect others
With the holiday season approaching, health officials have warned that large gatherings — whether they are family get-togethers, crowded buses, musical shows or avurudu celebrations –could be feeding or breeding grounds for flu viruses.
Sri Lanka has not been affected by the A(H1N1) influenza outbreak that claimed a number of lives here in 2009 and is now spreading rapidly in India. But health officials are urging the people to take basic preventive measures and avoid being exposed to large gatherings.
The Health Ministry’s Chief Epidemiologist Dr. Paba Palihawadane said participation in large public gatherings or travelling in overcrowded buses or trains should be avoided.
India has been afflicted by an outbreak of A(H1N1) — a seasonal influenza — with nearly 2,000 deaths and more 31,000 victims.
“Tropical South and Southeast Asia is a hub for influenza throughout the year. Proper hand hygiene and cough etiquette are essential to avoid the flu,” she said.
The Epidemiology Unit is advising people to cover their noses and mouths with a tissue or handkerchief when sneezing or coughing. The tissue should be disposed of safely, the handkerchiefs properly washed. Wash your hands with water or use a hand sanitizer, avoid touching the eyes, the nose and the mouth, avoid close contact with those infected and stay away from school or work when down with the flu.
Seasonal influenza is an acute viral infection caused by an influenza virus and in Sri Lanka both A(H1N1) and A(H3N2) subtypes can be found.
Sri Lanka suffered from the first outbreak of A(H1N1) in 2009, and the new strain attacked many who were not immune to the virus. About 50 confirmed deaths were reported with thousands of victims. A(H1N1) was also declared as a global pandemic in year 2009.
According to Dr. Palihawadane, the most vulnerable are mothers-to-be, children younger than 2, and adults who are older than 65. Also vulnerable are those with chronic respiratory illnesses including asthma, those suffering from diabetes and other chronic medical illnesses relating to heart, lung, kidney, liver, blood and those with weak immune systems.
During the last outbreak,of influenza maternal deaths were significantly high and were reported in many parts of the country.
The symptoms of seasonal flu include high fever, running nose, cough (usually dry), sore throat, muscle and joint aches, headache, chills and fatigue and severe malaise (feeling unwell). Some people may have diarrhea and vomiting also.
Most people recover within a week even without medical attention. But if a patient, child or adult, suffers from difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath or breathing fast, persistent vomiting, pain in the chest or stomach, dizziness, confusion, return of fever, reduced fluid intake and urine output, then medical assistance should be sought.
“We request those who are having flu symptoms to wear a mask. This is because when infected persons cough or sneeze, droplets could get into the air and another person could be infected,” she said.
Vaccination is the best way to be protected from seasonal flus. However, flu shots for the A(H3N2) strain that is common in the country are not available. Stocks are expected only after next month, Dr. Palihawadane said.
In 2009, the first A(H1N1) case was detected at the Bandaranaike international Airport. In view of this, medical officials attached to the airport health office said though there was no special desk or screening, as they did during the recent Ebola outbreak, travel groups especially India-bound pilgrim groups were being advised on precautionary measures.