Medical experts say that JN.1 – Omicron, which is considered to be one of the mysteries of the covid infection, is spreading in Sri Lanka, and this situation may lead to the common occurrence of influenza patients.
However, they say that because Sri Lanka has successfully managed the first wave of the Covid infection and the health sector is already in the fifth stage of preparation, it will be able to face it effectively.
According to Prof. Chandima Jeevandara, Head and Director of the Department of Immunology and Molecular Medicine, Head of the Department of Allergy Immunology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, a significant group of infected people have been identified by testing 30% of all patients with influenza-like diseases in India (COCHD). .
“In Sri Lanka, testing is very low, almost non-existent. So we don’t know where we are. But like in the past this JN.1 sub-variant will emerge and it could happen with an increase in influenza-like diseases already being observed in Sri Lanka,” he stressed.
He says that Covid is not as simple as a common cold, and it can make people very ill and it is best to be alert and vigilant. People above 60 years of age and people with weak immunity and suffering from other diseases should wear face masks, says Professor Jeevandara.
He also urges people to seek medical attention if symptoms such as fever, cough, loss of smell and taste, high fever, difficulty breathing, fatigue, inability to eat and tendency to vomit persist.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka’s Covid-19 Coordinator Dr. Anwar Hamdani reiterated that the ministry is being vigilant and monitoring the situation.