Health Check

Don't panic

How to deal with the influenza outbreak:

With a country-wide outbreak of viral flu, most people are running around with runny noses, coughs, aches and pains, and high temperatures. If you are one of those feeling achy and hot, don't panic, stay away from work or school, take plenty of fluids and consult your doctor if the fever continues. "It should take only a few days to get over a cold or mild fever, with some home made remedies, a hot drink and paracetamol on the doctor's orders.

Don't take aspirin, which thins the blood. However, as some people can develop complications, if the fever persists and the temperature rises, along with the symptoms, patients should consult a qualified physician," health sources from the Epidemiology Unit told the Sunday Observer.

A recent circular issued to all regional directors of government hospitals from the Director Epidemiology Unit, states that currently Influenza A ( HINI) and Influenza B have been identified as circulating around the country. Responding to a question from the Sunday Observer, Health Ministry sources said this was the usual seasonal influenza, which occurs following monsoonal rains.

"Influenza is an acute febrile illness characterized by respiratory symptoms ranging from cough, sore throat, rhinorrhoea (blocked nose), runny nose to the more serious complication of pneumonia. Usually there are two peaks. Each season has a predominant circulating virus. At present we are experiencing the second peak. The virus circulating in Sri Lanka is AHINI."

Seasonal viruses

According to health officials seasonal influenza viruses are largely grouped as A, B, and C. Influenza A viruses are divided into sub types based on two proteins on the surface of the virus; the haemagglutinin (H) and the neuraminidase (N). Influenza B viruses are not divided into sub types but could be further broken down in lineages and strains. "Only certain influenza A subtypes and influenza B usually cause severe diseases in human." they noted.

The officials said though anyone can catch influenza irrespective of gender or age; the most vulnerable groups are children, pregnant women and the elderly. However, they said the majority of infections are self-limiting with severe illness, especially if they afflict those with chronic illnesses and immune compromised patients.

Asked how influenza spreads, the officials said it was mainly by droplets generated when infected people cough, sneeze or talk. "If these infected droplets enter the mouths or noses of people nearby or are inhaled into the lungs, those persons could become infected within seconds.

Less often, a person may get the flu just by touching a surface or object that has the flu virus on it and then proceed to touch his mouth or nose. So, if a person with suspected signs of the flu is at your workplace or a bus, try to avoid sitting close to him/her or cover your nose and mouth when he coughs or sneezes," they advised.

Symptoms

Similar to dengue - e.g. fever, headache, muscle and joint aches - but with the additions of cough, rhinorrhoea and sore throat, the symptoms start from day 1- 4 after the virus has entered the body. This is called the incubation period. Infected people may spread the disease during the latter part of the incubation period and up to 7 days after becoming sick. Some infected persons however may not even know they have the virus as they may not develop symptoms. But they can still spread the virus to others," they warned.

Treatment

Treatment for influenza is mostly supportive therapy as for many respiratory diseases, with specified antiviral treatment with drugs being given only to in hospital patients with severe complications.

What about flu shots to prevent the disease?

A flu vaccine is not available in government hospitals. But getting a flu shot from a private hospital, does not guarantee full protection to the body in the event of future attacks, as it may not cover all the strains of influenza viruses circulating at the time", the officials cautioned, adding that the most important thing is to prevent getting the illness.

Rules on prevention

Citing simple rules the Health Ministry has distributed to all our hospitals for the public, the health sources gave us the following tips:

* Stay away from sick people and stay at home if sick.

*Wash hands often with soap and water after returning from school or workplace or shopping.

* Don't share linen, eating utensils dishes belonging to a sick person unless washed thoroughly in a dish washer or by hand with soap and water.

* Cleanse frequently used surfaces at home; work, school with disinfectant is someone is ill.

* While sneezing or coughing even if not ill, cover mouth with a handkerchief or tissue.

Dispose of used tissues properly.

The number to call for more information on AHINI is: 0112681548 or 0773291441

-Carol Aloyslus