Health Inspectors Warn Public Against Influenza Surge

News Today: Health Inspectors Warn of Influenza Rise

Health inspectors have warned the public to comply with safety guidelines similar to those during the COVID-19 pandemic as Influenza cases rise to unprecedented levels. Consultant Paediatrician Dr. LakKumar Fernando emphasized the urgency of the situation, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. Dr. Fernando told Legacy Daily that the public needs to adhere to the safety guidelines that were crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Children and older people should wear masks, practice good hand hygiene, and maintain physical distancing, especially on public transport and at social gatherings,” he said. “Schools and daycares are identified as primary hotspots for outbreaks. Thus, parents are urged to monitor their children’s health closely and refrain from sending them to schools or daycares if they exhibit any symptoms,” Dr. Fernando added.

The symptoms of the current influenza wave include fever, chills, headache, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite, and sore throat. Meanwhile, Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) Media Spokesman Dr. Chamil Wijesinghe confirmed the drastic surge in influenza cases. He also noted a slight increase in COVID-19 positive cases, with a few resulting in deaths. Most of the victims are unvaccinated. However, some of the deaths can’t be directly attributed to COVID-19, though PCR reports test positive.

Dr. Wijesinghe concluded that since COVID cases are not reported as lethal, there was no need to panic.