Having fever, cough and a runny nose means that you could be experiencing seasonal influenza, also known as the viral flu. While it is a common occurrence, this time of the year is a peak season for influenza.
However, high risk groups need to take extra care during this period, Consultant Medical Virologist of the Medical Research Institute (MRI), Dr. Jude Jayamaha told the Sunday Observer.
According to Dr. Jayamaha, influenza spreads from person to person mainly by droplets when coughing, sneezing or talking. These droplets can go into the nose or mouth of the people nearby or inhaled into the lungs. Flu is most contagious during the first three to four days after the illness begins.
Dr. Jayamaha said that children under two years and those over 65 years of age are at risk of contracting influenza. “Pregnant women, people with long-term medical conditions, chronic lung infections, neurological conditions and diabetes mellitus are in the high risk category. However, pregnant women should present themselves before a qualified medical practitioner on the first or second day of the illness,” he said.
“When it comes to taking precautions, pregnant women shouldn’t go to crowded places. If you have any of the symptoms related to the flu you should adhere to the cough etiquette. The sneeze comes in 1-2 seconds. Hence, you can’t reach for your handkerchief in a matter of seconds. Therefore, you could flex your elbow and cover the nose or use the side of your arm. If you have flu symptoms it’s better to take bed rest. It is also important that those suffering from these symptoms should only take paracetamol,” he added.