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EDITOR IN CHIEF- ABDULLAH BIN SALIM AL SHUEILI

Get vaccinated before flu strikes

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Although influenza cases in the Sultanate have witnessed a significant fall, people in the high risk group have been urged to get vaccinated as the flu season is approaching.


According to the Ministry of Health (MoH), deaths as a result of influenza have come down to eight so far in 2017 as against 25 in 2015.


“As a semi-tropical country, seasonal influenza viruses continue to appear throughout the year in the Oman. The virus starts in early September and continues until mid-May,” the ministry said in a circular. Until October 10 this year, there have been 952 cases of influenza while there were 1,492 cases in 2016, says the ministry.


“It is advised that citizens and residents in the high risk group get themselves vaccinated to prevent flu right in the beginning of the season itself,” the ministry said in an advisory note.


When contacted, doctors in the city said there have not been many patients who have visited them with symptoms of flu.


“Unlike the previous years, people have not come with any acute incidence of flu. But some have been treated as outpatients for runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches,” said Dr Basheer, senior physician at Badr al Sama Hospital, Ruwi.


The Sultanate recorded 25 cases of deaths in 2015, six in 2016 and eight this year, all linked to the flu.


Most of those cases were among the groups most at risk of high risk of complications of influenza.


“Despite the high number of cases, it is still within the normal range compared with the previous years,” the ministry said.


Flu is an unpredictable virus that can cause mild or unpleasant illness in most people.


It can also lead to severe illness and even death among vulnerable groups, including older people, pregnant women and people with an underlying health condition.


Dr Basheer said there are standing guidelines from the MoH that vaccination be provided to this vulnerable and high risk group of people.


“Seasonal vaccine is recommended for people at higher risk of serious influenza complications, including, healthcare workers, pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy, elderly individuals, patients with chronic medical conditions (such as patients with HIV/Aids and those who are taking immunosuppressive drugs) as well as pilgrims,” said the ministry statement.


The flu vaccinations are available in government hospitals as well as private clinics.


According to Dr Basheer, the virus spreads due to confinement in air-conditioned rooms that allow the virus to become more active.


“Symptoms to look out for include fever, chills, coughing, wheezing and general body fatigue. The vaccination gives up to 70 per cent protection from the virus and is highly recommended,” he said.


Those who are experiencing these symptoms should stay at home and rest to prevent spread of the virus, he added.


Infection from flu is spread through cough or sneeze.


In some cases, the infection may occur by touching surfaces or objects contaminated by influenza infection followed by touching of the eyes, mouth or nose.


The infection can be transmitted before one-day of symptoms and approximately from five to seven days after the symptoms.


The infection transmission may last for a long period among children as well as people with immune deficiency.


Treatment of influenza requires drinking a lot of water, resting and taking antiviral medicines that can reduce serious complications and deaths, especially for the high-risk groups.


SAMUEL KUTTY


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