Hundreds of seasonal flu patients pour into hospitals

Hostels, places of worship, and crowded public places are hotspots for the seasonal influenza now spreading rapidly even before the onset of the monsoon.

More than 130 students from the Pasdunrata National College of Education in Kalutara were reported to have fallen sick this week. They showed flu symptoms ranging from high fever to nausea, vomiting, headache and body pain.

"Students with the flu are sent home after medical treatment. Academic activities are continuing as we cannot afford to lose any more academic days. About 70-80 students from the total 306 have been sent home, while some sick students are quarantined within the premises,” said the principal A.J.S. Basnagoda.

According to the area public health inspector S.S. Sinhabahu, 130 students have shown flu symptoms and 83 were sent home. Those infected are placed under quarantine in three halls.

Similarly, the Sripada National College of Education which has reported viral fever outbreaks before, sent a number of students home this week after they sought medical treatment from the Kotagala regional hospital.

B. Logeswaran, head of the college said about 40 students had flu symptoms.

"The MoH is monitoring the situation here and if there are any more cluster cases the closure will be decided. Until then, we are continuing studies," she said.

Seasonal influenza is an acute respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses and a person who is infected can show symptoms such as sudden high fever, cough, headache, body pain, lethargy, sore throat and runny nose. The cough, however, can last for two or more weeks.

While many recover in several days, the flu can be life-threatening to the elderly, children aged below five years, pregnant women, and those with chronic illnesses.

One of the country’s two influenza peaks is between May and July. More cases are expected in the coming weeks with the onset of the Southwest monsoon.

Influenza patients are pouring into public hospitals. The Sunday Times learns that paediatric wards in many hospitals are full of children with the flu.

"Patients coming for OPD and inhouse treatment have increased drastically. We are getting flu patients as well as dengue, leptospirosis, COVID-19 patients too. Unfortunately, symptoms of all these illnesses are similar," said Kegalle District Hospital Director Dr. Mihiri Priyangani.

Anuradhapura's District's Regional Health Director Dr. N.C.D. Ariyaratne said pilgrims arriving during Poson Poya week should protect themselves and others from viral flu. "Those coming in large numbers should follow respiratory hygiene, regular handwashing, wear masks, and protect the elderly and

those with underlying medical conditions.’’

Meanwhile, Nuwara Eliya's Regional Health Director Dr. Nissanka Wijewardena said those visiting during the school vacation should try to prevent viral fever from spreading. "Those down with the flu should avoid travelling to colder climes that they are not accustomed to. Warm liquids and wearing of masks is highly recommended.’’

Many people have reduced their healthy food intake because of the economic crisis and this leads to low immunity, said consultant nutritionist Dr. Renuka Jayatissa.

“Those with low immunity are more vulnerable to viral fever. Students in hostels have poor diets and often neglect the need to drink more water. Dehydration and low immunity can make young people fall prey to viruses. While they may recover, the situation gets worse if they go home and spread [the virus] to their elderly parents or those in high risk groups," said Dr. Jayatissa.

She recommends drinking enough water and warm liquids as well as eating more citrus fruit rich in vitamin C, such as local mandarin, and yellow and leafy vegetables.