Bangkok, Ministry of Public Health reveals cold weather has found sickness. ‘Influenza’ has increased, emphasizing symptoms of the flu. Wear a mask – avoid close contact with children and the elderly.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Health Reveals that cold weather increases the risk of outbreaks “Influenza” has increased and more cases of respiratory disease have been found in the past 1 month. Up to 42% of people with influenza have severe symptoms requiring hospital treatment. Most of them are young children, school-age children, and the elderly. They emphasize taking care of their hygiene. Keep your body warm. If you have respiratory symptoms Wear a mask. Avoid going in large crowds. Including being close to children and the elderly.
Today (24 December 2023) Dr. Opas Karikawinpong Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Health revealed that from monitoring and surveillance of influenza and respiratory infections. By the Epidemiology Division, Department of Disease Control, it was found that during weeks 47-50 between 19 November – 16 December 2023, samples were collected from the respiratory systems of people who came to the hospital with respiratory symptoms. in 14 network hospitals, 120-200 samples per week Detection of infection by PCR method found influenza virus in a proportion as high as 42%, followed by rhinovirus/enterovirus 36.9%, hMPV 9.3%, RSV 6.4% and COVID-19 another 5.4%. The patient was found to have influenza virus with symptoms so severe that he had to be admitted for treatment in that hospital. The highest number was in the age group less than 5 years, followed by the age group 5-17 years and over 65 years, respectively.
Dr. Opas further said that from the data it can be seen that Influenza disease tends to increase. The groups at risk of becoming sick and having severe symptoms are young children, school-age children, and the elderly. In addition, during this period Thailand has cold weather in many areas. This type of weather causes the virus to stay in the environment for a longer time. It spreads easily and faster, so people should be careful and maintain their health. Take care of personal hygiene Keep your body warm. Especially when having respiratory symptoms, fever, sore throat, coughing, sneezing, and runny nose, wear a mask. Avoid going into large crowds. Including being close to children and the elderly. Wash your hands often. with water and soap or alcohol gel To prevent the spread of infection and monitor symptoms of severe illness in people in high-risk groups If after taking the initial medicine the symptoms do not improve. Please see a doctor quickly.
Source: Thai News Agency