A vicious and virulent strain of flu virus has spread across the kingdom leaving people of all ages suffering sore throats, runny noses and high temperatures in a sudden surge of sickness.
Medics and health officials are urging people to take precautionary measures and get vaccinated against the seasonal shivers.
Educationists are also advising parents to keep children off school and at home if they start to show symptoms, wear face masks to prevent infecting others and ensure adequate rest for proper recovery.
“Most cases are starting in schools, with entire families becoming infected,” said University Medical Centre at King Abdullah Medical City senior paediatric consultant professor Mohammed Elbeltagi.
He told the GDN that over the past week, 50 per cent of the patients in his clinic had confirmed influenza, adding that a child should see a doctor if they have a persistent high fever, rapid or difficult breathing, chest pain or severe cough, lethargy or refuse to drink and showing signs of dehydration, as early diagnosis can prevent complications.”
To prevent the spread at home and school, he recommended frequent handwashing and proper use of tissues when coughing or sneezing, disinfecting shared surfaces such as doorknobs, tables and electronic devices and to avoid sharing cups, bottles or towels.
“A child with active flu should remain isolated for at least five days from the start of symptoms, and only return to school once fever-free for 24 hours.
“This protects classmates and allows for a full recovery,” he added.
Although flu cases have risen in recent days, consultant ears, nose and throat surgeon Dr Ameen Alsaati said that this increase is normal for this time of year and not a cause for panic.
“Children have lower immunity and can easily spread the virus to others through cough droplets and close contact,” he told the GDN, advising parents to keep children home for around three days if they show symptoms.
“People need to allow adequate time for full recovery too. Without proper rest, hydration, sleep and medication, the healing process can take much longer.”
One local businessman, who asked not to be named, raced back to work only to find himself back in bed ‘feeling lousy’ one week later. “My doctor seems to think I’ve caught the flu bug again if that’s possible!”
Consultant ears, nose and throat surgeon Dr Ameen Alsaati also recommended vaccination to deter the worse symptoms and to take the ‘flu shot’ as soon as possible.
Health Ministry Disease Control Department head Dr Basma Al Saffar highlighted the changing weather condition between autumn and winter bring its own health challenges, during a local radio broadcast.
She also stressed the importance of avoiding public places if you are showing signs of illness and to keep up with vaccinations and ensure you get the flu vaccine as soon as possible.
American Mission Hospital primary care head and general practitioner Dr Babu Ramachandran, emphasised that people should allow their body adequate time to rest and fully recover.
“An estimated 50 per cent of patients visiting the hospital currently have symptoms of influenza A or B,” he said.
Influenza A and B are the two main types of flu viruses that cause respiratory illness in humans.
Both share similar symptoms like fever, cough and fatigue.
Dr Ramachandran noted that many patients expect to be bouncing back within a day or two, but flu recovery typically takes seven to 10 days.
“During this time, patients can experience a range of symptoms, including fever, cough, runny nose, body aches and extreme fatigue,” he explained.
“Many people come back to the clinic soon after our consultation expecting to be fully recovered but patients need to understand it takes your body longer to recover.”
He advised those with flu symptoms to rest properly, stay hydrated and use fever-reducing medications to support recovery.
To prevent spreading the virus, he also recommended that people wear masks when leaving the house or interacting with others.
“People should also get the flu jab which helps the body fight the virus more effectively and builds stronger immunity,” he said.
Influenza A and B are transmitted through respiratory droplets from an infected person coughing, sneezing or talking.
They can spread when a person touches a contaminated surface and then touches their own mouth, nose or eyes.
People can also be contagious before they show symptoms and for several days after.
According to the World Health Organisation there are around a billion cases of seasonal influenza annually, with three to five million cases of severe illness. It causes 290, 000 to 650,000 respiratory deaths annually.
Symptoms begin one-to-four days after infection and usually last around a week.
Annual vaccination is recommended for:
• pregnant women
• children aged 6 months to 5 years
• people over age 65
• people with chronic medical conditions
• health workers.
Treatment:
People with mild symptoms should:
• stay home to avoid infecting other people
• rest
• drink plenty of fluids
• treat other symptoms such as fever
• seek medical care if symptoms get worse
Other ways to prevent influenza:
• wash and dry your hands regularly
• cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
• dispose of tissues correctly
• stay home when feeling unwell
• avoid close contact with sick people
• avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
julia@gdnmedia.bh
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