Friday, March 29, 2024 | Ramadan 18, 1445 H
clear sky
weather
OMAN
25°C / 25°C
EDITOR IN CHIEF- ABDULLAH BIN SALIM AL SHUEILI

Eight deaths due to Seasonal Flu in 2017, but no need to panic, take precautions: MOH

flu
flu
minus
plus

The Ministry of Health in Oman has said the said Seasonal Flu is a severe respiratory infection caused by the flu virus, which is spreading around the world. The flu season varies from country to country and season to season in the same country.


The ministry said in a statement that being a semi-tropical country, the emergence of seasonal influenza viruses continue throughout the year in the Sultanate, but the activity of these viruses begins in early September and can continue until mid-May and maximum twice a year. The statement said that in 2017 Oman recorded (952) cases until October 10, while 1,492 cases were reported in 2016, following which nine people lost lives. in 2015, 25 deaths were recorded due to Seasonal Flu. 


Eight deaths have been recorded in 2017, all of which are linked to influenza. Most of these cases were in the high risk groups. Despite the high number of cases, they are still within the normal range compared to previous years.


A person with flu usually has some or all of the following symptoms two days after he or she has been infected -  fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose or blockage, body and muscle aches, headaches, tiredness, vomiting and diarrhea, especially among children. The condition of the patient may deteriorate, mainly among the most vulnerable groups, which may lead to death.


Flu infections are spread through coughing or sneezing, the ministry said.


In some cases, infection may occur by touching surfaces or objects contaminated with the flu virus and then touching the eyes, mouth or nose. Infection can be transmitted one day before the onset of influenza and it can continue from five to seven days after symptoms. Infection may continue for a longer period of time in children and people with immune deficiency


The ministry said that the treatment of influenza requires drinking large amounts of water and rest along with antiviral drugs that can reduce the serious complications and deaths, especially for the most vulnerable groups. To avoid the disease, preventive measures should be taken to cover mouth and nose when coughing and hand washing regularly. It is also recommended that  vaccine be taken by the most vulnerable groups - health care workers, pregnant women , the elderly, and patients with chronic conditions (such as HIV / HIV / AIDS and those taking immunosuppressive drugs) and pilgrims.


SHARE ARTICLE
arrow up
home icon