Influenza is an acute, contagious respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses that circulate in all parts of the world, resulting in a year-round disease burden. These viruses infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs, and can cause a range of illnesses that vary in severity.
Being a tropical country in Sri Lanka, influenza can be seen throughout the year. However, there are two main peaks when there is a higher number of cases, which is from May to July and from November to January. Depending on the season, there may be different types of influenza viruses causing the illness.
What are the symptoms of influenza?
Flu symptoms develop rapidly and may include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or congested nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Headaches
- Fatigue and feeling unwell
- Some people may experience vomiting and diarrhea, more commonly in children than adults.
Treatment
Most people will recover from influenza on their own. People with severe symptoms or other medical conditions should seek medical care.
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.
People at high risk or with severe symptoms should be treated with antiviral medications as soon as possible. They include people who are:
- pregnant
- children under 59 months of age
- aged 65 years and older
- living with other chronic illnesses
- receiving chemotherapy
- living with suppressed immune systems due to HIV or other conditions.
The WHO Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS) monitors resistance to antivirals among circulating influenza viruses to provide timely evidence for national policies related to antiviral use.
Prevention
Vaccination is the best way to prevent influenza.
Safe and effective vaccines have been used for more than 60 years. Immunity from vaccination goes away over time so annual vaccination is recommended to protect against influenza.
The vaccine may be less effective in older people, but it will make the illness less severe and reduce the chance of complications and death.
Vaccination is especially important for people at high risk of influenza complications and their carers.
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.
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.
Vaccines
Vaccines are updated routinely with new vaccines developed that contain viruses that match those circulating. Several inactivated influenza vaccines and recombinant influenza vaccines are available in injectable form. Live attenuated influenza vaccines are available as a nasal spray.
Hospitals which offer the influenza vaccination
Contact Number: 0115 777 777
E-mail: [email protected]
Contact Number: +94 11 466 5500
Contact Number:011 543 0000
E-mail: [email protected]
We strongly recommend receiving this vaccination to proactively prevent any potential influence on your trip to Sri Lanka, ensuring your maximum enjoyment and well-being.