BANGKOK, 23 June 2014,-The Public Health Ministry has issued a warning against the spread of pneumonia after the disease has taken 459 lives and infected more than 80,000 this year.
According to the Public Health Permanent Secretary Dr. Narong Sahamethapat, the rainy season has raised the water content in the air, compromising the body’s immunity system. The season usually makes people more susceptible to various diseases, especially pneumonia.
The disease is the main culprit behind the fatality of senior citizens and young children, Dr. Narong said, adding that the Bureau of Epidemiology has predicted that the number of pneumonia patients will likely hit 18,000 per month during the months of August and September. Between January to June 16th, more than 87,000 people reportedly came down with the disease, among whom 459 have died, added the doctor.
The doctor stressed that patients, especially the elderly and small children, who experienced persistent cold longer than 3 days should seek medical advice immediately. Dr. Narong also urged those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart disease, asthma, stroke, kidney disease and cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy to have free flu vaccination at hospitals under the Ministry’s supervision.
