Call for preventive measures as flu cases rise

Muscat: Many cases of flu have been reported, and doctors are seeing an increase in respiratory infections, particularly among children. Reported symptoms include throat pain, a runny nose, sneezing, headache, body pain, cough, and phlegm. While influenza is one of the viruses involved, many cases are caused by other viruses such as rhinovirus, RSV, and adenovirus, said Dr Mahmoud bin Nasser al Rahbi, Senior Consultant and Head of the Emergency Medicine Department at Samayil Hospital.
'Yes, we are currently seeing an increase in respiratory infections, particularly among children, which is consistent with the seasonal circulation of respiratory viruses,' Dr Al Rahbi told the Observer.
Although dust and airborne particles can aggravate respiratory symptoms — especially in individuals with asthma or allergies — they do not cause influenza. Their main impact is to irritate the airways, which may make respiratory symptoms more noticeable, Dr Al Rahbi noted.
Not taking precautions to isolate infected individuals also leads to further spread, explained Dr Dilip Kumar Singvi, Specialist Internal Medicine at Burjeel Hospital. 'Dust particles also help in further propagating the flu virus, a phenomenon called aerosolised fomite transmission,' said Dr Dilip.
'Most cases are mild and self-limiting, but the public should remain vigilant and continue practicing these preventive measures to reduce transmission.'
At this stage, according to Dr Dilip, the most effective preventive measures remain good hand hygiene, proper cough etiquette, staying home when symptomatic, maintaining good indoor ventilation, and seeking medical attention promptly if symptoms worsen, especially in young children, older adults, and individuals with underlying health conditions.