With the unusual rise in influenza cases, health experts are urging the public to be on the lookout for symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headache, and fatigue.
Speaking to the media, Dr. Deepal Perera, a pediatrician at Lady Ridgeway Children’s Hospital in Colombo, said that since this is common among children, he advises parents to pay close attention to their children.
He said that usually there are two peaks of influenza from November to February and from April to July, and this time, we can see a significant rise in cases among children and adults as well.
“In the last week alone, the number of infected people has doubled. Currently, the type of influenza that is found is in Sumbawa. However, influenza B is also common,” he said.
If symptoms persist, seek immediate medical attention. Groups at risk for influenza-like illness include pregnant mothers, children under two years of age, people aged 60 and older, and those with chronic illnesses.