Health authorities are urging the public to watch for symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headache and fatigue in the face of unusually high levels of influenza-like illness.

According to this, Dr. Jude Jayamaha, a virologist at the Medical Research Institute, said that there are usually two peak periods of influenza from November to February and from April to July.

Dr. Jayamaha also emphasized that according to the samples taken last month and the first week of January, an unprecedented influenza-positive rate of 25% was seen.

In view of this situation, the Secretary of the Ministry of Health has instructed the National Influenza Center to improve surveillance of influenza-like diseases in 20 hospitals including Colombo, Ragama, Kalubowila, Negombo Hospitals, Ridgeway Arya Children's Hospital and Infectious Disease Hospital.

Accordingly, the doctor said that samples are being sent to the National Influenza Laboratory every day and currently the predominant type is influenza A.

Groups at risk for influenza-like illness include pregnant mothers, children under two years of age, people age 60 and older, and those with chronic illnesses.

Moreover, people who are coughing should wear face masks to prevent it from spreading to others, the doctor added.
(colombotimes.lk)