News
Children, pregnant women severely cautioned against contracting the ‘flu’
View(s):Children and pregnant women are severely cautioned against infection from the present seasonal influenza (flu) which impacts more on them, with risks of developing pneumonia, which could be fatal, Health officials warn.
A senior Health official said influenza related maternal deaths are reported during seasonal influenza, and such high-risk groups should seek medical attention if their flu gets worse, or despite treatment they develop difficulty in breathing..
High risk groups include elders (above 65 years) or very young children, pregnant women, those with suppressed immunity and those with chronic heart, liver, kidney and metabolic diseases.
Health Ministry’s Chief Epidemiologist, Dr Paba Palihawadane said that, unlike in India, Sri Lanka need not fear or panic, as viruses of pandemic influenza such as A(H1N1), A(H3N2) which trigger more deaths, have been in the country for the past few years, hence, immunity against these viruses is developed among us.
Although ‘flu’ is usually a mild respiratory illness with fever, cough, headache, muscle and joint pain, sore throat and runny nose for a week’s time for most people, some develop serious conditions with breathing difficulties and respiratory illnesses such as pneumonia.
“Personal hygiene is very important to prevent the ‘flu’ from spreading. Basic coughing etiquette such as covering mouth and nose with a tissue/handkerchief while sneezing or coughing when having the ‘flu’, washing hands with soap and water frequently and avoid touching the face, specially when having the ‘flu’, and seeking medical attention for ‘flu’ if in a high risk group, should be followed,” she said.
Those with the flu are advised to avoid overcrowded public places. Deaths of pregnant mothers occurred due to seasonal influenza infection in 2013.
Lady Ridgeway Children’s Hospital Director, Dr K. Wickremasinghe said there has been a slight increase in the number of fever cases arriving for treatment at the Outdoor Patients Dispensary (OPD), both for influenza and suspected dengue fever.
Meanwhile, erratic weather patterns too are contributing to the increase in influenza cases. Ratnapura General Hospital Director Dr Sampath Indika Kumara said that, usually, respiratory illnesses including flu are prevalent between March and May, with rains and humid weather.
Family Health Bureau Director, Dr Hemantha Beneragama said that its Child Health and Maternal Health units have been instructed to strengthen community awareness preventive measures programmes on the present seasonal influenza.