2023-09-26 12:05:00
Respiratory Infections, Particularly Influenza, on the Rise Amid Decreasing COVID-19 Cases
Respiratory Infections, Particularly Influenza, on the Rise Amid Decreasing COVID-19 Cases
As the COVID-19 pandemic shows signs of decline, another respiratory infection is making its presence known. Influenza cases have been on the rise, with 180,000 patients reported in 2023 data. During the week of September 10-16 alone, more than 12,000 additional patients were recorded, surpassing the average of the past five years.
Respiratory infections, including influenza, have a higher prevalence rate during the rainy season. Common symptoms of influenza during this period include high fever, muscle pain, dry cough, clear snot, and loss of appetite. While the COVID-19 situation has improved, health experts recommend wearing masks when sick or in crowded places, as well as practicing frequent handwashing, to prevent and reduce the risk of respiratory infections.
Since Thailand declared COVID-19 a contagious disease requiring surveillance, the Ministry of Public Health revealed that respiratory infections, especially influenza, have increased compared to previous years. This reflects the effectiveness of wearing masks in preventing and reducing the risk of such infections.
Despite the decreasing number of COVID-19 cases, influenza continues to show an upward trend. From January 1 to September 16, 2023, there were 185,216 influenza patients, with an illness rate of 279.9 per 100,000 people. There were four reported deaths, resulting in a case fatality rate of 0.002 percent. The number of patients in the week of September 10-16 exceeded the figures from 2022 and the average of the past five years.
Influenza, also known as the flu, is an acute viral infection that affects the respiratory system. It is characterized by sudden high fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, and other symptoms. This disease has caused pandemics multiple times, resulting in millions of illnesses and deaths worldwide.
Influenza is primarily transmitted through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks in densely populated areas. It can also spread through contact with contaminated surfaces or droplets from a patient’s saliva. The incubation period for influenza is about 1-3 days, and infected individuals can spread the virus one day before symptoms appear and continue for several days afterward.
The most common symptoms of influenza include sudden fever, headache, chills, muscle aches, fatigue, stuffy nose, and sore throat. While most patients recover within 1-2 weeks, severe cases can lead to complications such as pneumonia, which can be fatal. People at high risk of complications or death include those aged 65 and above, children under 2 years old, individuals with chronic diseases, and pregnant women during the high influenza season.
Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health emphasized that the country is currently in the rainy season, a prime time for respiratory infectious diseases. Alongside COVID-19, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are among the main diseases that need close monitoring. The transmission of these diseases is similar, involving coughing, sneezing, and contact with respiratory droplets or shared objects. To prevent and reduce the risk of infection, proper mask usage, practicing good hygiene, and avoiding close contact with vulnerable individuals are crucial.
Parents are urged to monitor their children for respiratory symptoms, and if they become sick, it is recommended to keep them home and avoid spreading the virus in schools or childcare centers. Schools are advised to implement screening systems for respiratory symptoms and consider temporary closures when multiple sick children are identified.
The information in this article is based on data provided by the Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health.
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