Despite a rise in influenza cases, Monkeypox is still not a threat to Asian countries

Seasonal influenza has resurfaced in the United States, with numerous cases recorded around the country. Medical specialists encourage the public to exercise caution and seek medical help if they have symptoms such as fever, cough, or cold.

Dr. Jude Jayamaha, Consultant Virologist, Medical Research Institute, said, "Influenza is a self-restrictive virus reported all across the world, as well as Sri Lanka."

"It was not noticed in 2020 due to reduced individual mobilisation, and it was identified in smaller numbers in 2021 as well." However, since May, we've discovered more occurrences. As a result, the National Influenza Centre (NIC) keeps a close eye on the situation and collects samples from all throughout the country. We have identified 21 instances since May 1st, despite the fact that influenza was not found from January to April. We only uncovered roughly nine cases over the period of four months. This is not unique to Sri Lanka, however, because influenza has a seasonal pattern/trend, according to the NIC's research."

He went on to say that the pattern is bi-modal, which means it has two peaks.

"As a result, there are two peaks: May-June-July one month earlier or later, and December-January-February one month earlier or later." Despite the fact that this isn't unique, it's still a good idea to be cautious. Influenza was no longer in circulation in 2021, and any natural immunity that existed had vanished. As a result, even if the condition is self-limiting, it has the potential to spread quickly and cause severe illness. The influenza virus causes s in 75 percent of cases "mptoms," says the narrator.

Effects on mothers and their children

Six pregnant women were also proven to be infected with influenza, according to Dr. Jayamaha. "They were all treated, but when a pregnant woman is ill with influenza, the risk of serious pneumonia is increased." There's also the possibility of death (less than 1 percent ). As a result, if a pregnant woman has a fever, cough, or cold, she should seek medical attention right once. Because it's flu season, it's best to keep a safe distance from people, use masks, and take other precautions to avoid transmitting illness."

"Children under the age of two are also at a higher risk of contracting pneumonia," says the CDC. "If they have a fever, cough, cold, or wheezing, they should seek medical attention," says the CDC "he suggested