By Sarah Hannan Influenza is doing its rounds once again with the inclement weather that the country is experiencing due to the northeast monsoon. Symptoms such a sudden fever or an increase in body temperature, along with a cough, sore throat, and a cold could be caused by the influenza virus. “The viral infection is transmitted from human to human and is spread by droplets (caused by sneezing or coughing) or by contact with contaminated clothes, utensils, and furniture. While it is prevalent throughout the year, the two peak times have been recognised to be from May to July and November to January. While the virus is self-limiting, it can cause severe disease in high-risk groups,” epidemiologist Dr. Samitha Ginige explained. The groups that are considered to be high-risk patients include pregnant women, children under the age of two, elderly persons above the age of 65, people with chronic lung, heart (excluding hypertension), metabolic, renal, liver, and neurological diseases, and people with weak immune systems, Dr. Ginige explained. Dr. Ginige also added that people in high-risk groups should avoid unnecessary travel, walking in crowded places, and close contact with sick persons, and consult a qualified physician immediately if they have flu-like symptoms. “Out of all the categories in the high-risk group, pregnant women should be referred to a hospital with specialist care and should be given priority to minimise their chances of exposure that would lead to progressive stages of influenza,” Dr. Ginige explained. According to Dr. Ginige, the progressive symptoms to look out for in a patient diagnosed to have seasonal influenza are difficulty in breathing, respiratory rate falling below 25 reps per minute, showing signs of pneumonia, severe dehydration, worsening of the underlying chronic disease, and signs of organ failure. “Not every person who is unwell due to influenza will be hospitalised and most of the time can recover at home. However, if they develop progressive disease symptoms or fail to improve in 72 hours, they should be admitted to hospital,” Dr. Ginige stated. Not an outbreak According to National Influenza Centre Consultant Virologist Dr. Chrishan Jude Jayamaha, the type of influenza that is presently circulating in the country is Influenza B, with Influenza A in circulation as well. Dr. Jayamaha revealed that this is not an outbreak of the viral infection and is just a peak in the seasonal flu. “Patients should be well rested and if you are attending school or work, it is best to refrain from going in to school or work until you are fully recovered. Apart from that, patients should stay hydrated, take only Paracetamol, and avoid taking aspirin for body aches. Patients should also use a tissue when sneezing and coughing to prevent the infection from spreading and use separate utensils when consuming foods and beverages for hygiene purposes,” Dr. Jayamaha added. As preventive and precautionary measures, the public is urged to adhere to personal hygiene practices such as constantly washing hands with soap and water after using public transport, public or common restrooms at school, work, or while travelling.