Health Protection Agency has revealed that nineteen persons have contracted influenza so far in January, with one related death recorded.
As per the agency's statistics, 154 cases of influenza have been detected in Maldives within the past four months. The most commonly detected variant in the country is H1N1.
IGMH Internal Medicine Consultant Dr Mohamed Ali recently posted on social media X that three patients with pneumonia as a result of contracting influenza are currently on ventilator support at the hospital.
HPA believes that the cause of the increase in the spread of influenza is the large number of persons who have travelled abroad during December's school holidays, noting that Covid and influenza cases are on the rise even in other countries in the region.
- fever
- runny nose
- fatigue
- headaches, body aches, throat pain
- coughing
Doctors advise seeking medical attention at the earliest should these symptoms persist for three days.
Influenza vaccine provides protection from flu, pneumonia, heart issues, as well as ear and sinus infections. The vaccine can be administered in two doses to those under the age of nine, and one dose to those older.
- frequently wash your hands with soap
- limit exposure to crowds
- get influenza vaccine shots
Influenza is most commonly transmitted one day after getting infected, and between the fifth and seventh day. However, chances of contracting influenza from children and immunity compromised persons are higher.
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