It has been identified that the current seasonal influenza infection in Sri Lanka is mainly caused by three strains of influenza virus. They are two strains of influenza virus A, H1N1 and H3N2, and influenza B. Symptoms of this viral infection include fever, cough, and the common cold, which often go away without a cure. However, certain groups of people are at higher risk of developing the virus or developing complications.
Who is at higher risk of developing or developing complications of influenza?
- Children under 2 years of age
- People over 65 years of age
- Pregnant mothers
- People with weakened immune systems
- Chronic heart, kidney, or liver patients
- Patients with diabetes
- People with chronic respiratory illnesses such as asthma
What are the symptoms of influenza?
- High fever (over 38 degrees Celsius or over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Management Cough
- Sore throat
- Fluid retention
- Going to the kiwis
- Management Headache
- Muscle pain
- If the infection worsens, breathing difficulties may occur.
How to treat patients with influenza?
- Patients who are not at high risk for an exacerbation of the influenza infection or have no current complications may be advised to seek medical advice and general treatment at home. It is not necessary to prescribe antiviral drugs for such patients.
- Patients with exacerbated or complicated influenza with the following symptoms may be hospitalized and given other treatments, including antiviral drugs.
- Difficulty breathing
- Respiratory rate greater than 25 beats per minute
- Room oxygen saturation less than 92%
- Having symptoms of pneumonia
- Low blood pressure
- Impact of the disease on the nervous system (changing mood, drowsiness, drowsiness, persistent or recurrent seizures, confusion, paralysis)
- Severe physical weakness
- Severe dehydration
- Other organs of the body are becoming inactive
- Exacerbation of existing chronic diseases
All expectant mothers who are suspected of having the flu will be referred for examination, testing, and treatment on the advice of a specialist.
If a person who is at high risk for an exacerbation of the influenza infection or has a current infection has a non-complicated infection, a doctor may recommend general treatment at home and require a re-examination within 48 hours.
If all influenza patients feel that their condition is getting worse or that symptoms do not go away after 72 hours, it is essential to seek medical advice again.
Antiviral drugs are not recommended to prevent seasonal influenza. Furthermore, these drugs are given only to patients who need to be hospitalized and treated. This is because by using antiviral drugs indiscriminately, the influenza virus can develop resistance to that drug.
How to prevent seasonal influenza infection?
Follow these steps to prevent seasonal influenza infections as well as any other respiratory infections.
- If you have the common cold and your doctor recommends treatment at home, stay home and rest. It is essential to stay home for at least 24 hours after the fever has subsided.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap is not available, use an alcohol-based hand wash. If drops get on your nose or mouth, immediately clean your hands as above.
- Avoid frequent contact with eyes, nose, and mouth. If you need to do so, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before doing so.
- Bathe regularly and wear clean clothes.
- Avoid going near people who have symptoms of the common cold.
- Cover your nose and mouth well when coughing or sneezing. When doing so, use a clean cloth or tissue to prevent the drops from getting on your hands. Or, cover the mouth and nose with the inside of your arm near the elbow.
- Whenever possible you should have all four of these components in place for launch to maximize profits. In particular, do not forget to do so if you have a high risk of developing an influenza infection or complications.
- If one person in your household has an influenza infection, refer only one person in the home to care for the patient.
- Get enough sleep. Keep in mind that this will strengthen your immune system.
- Whenever possible, keep windows open to allow for fresh air in the home and at work.
- Increase time spent in a quiet, natural environment. This allows you to breathe fresh air.
- Regularly clean the surfaces of tables, door locks, computer keyboards, etc. in the house.
- If you have a baby, make sure he or she is well breastfed. Thereby, his or her immunity develops well.
