BANGKOK – The Department of Disease Control (DDC) Director General, Suwannachai Wattanayingcharoenchai, has revealed the latest number of influenza patients in Thailand from 1st January to 30th November 2019 at 363,837 cases with 24 fatalities.
From this figure, Bangkok is the province with highest number of cases, followed by Rayong, Nakhon Pathom, Chanthaburi, and Chiang Mai. Most patients are young to school-age children, with an increase in the number of schools having more than 10 cases each from the previous year.
The DDC now expects higher likelihood of an influenza spread this week due to the drop in temperature which may cause some people to become ill.
Influenza can easily be spread from breathing. Influenza viruses can spread from one to another person through sneezing, coughing, or physical contact with the patient’s mucus or saliva. Frequent hand washing with soap and water can help prevent the infection, along with regular exercise, nutritious diet, and refraining from sharing items such as drinking glasses or stationaries with other people.
Persons exhibiting a cough or runny nose should wear a sanitary mask, and cover their nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, in order to prevent spreading viruses to other persons. Flu patients should drink plenty of water, rest well, and take medications according to their symptoms. Those who exhibit high fever, tiredness, or panting should seek medical attention as they may need antiviral medication.
The DDC also suggests nurseries and schools monitor children and look out for those exhibiting flu symptoms. Children with symptoms should be isolated from the rest and stay home until after recovery. Schools should also clean areas and items frequently touched by students. For more information, call the DDC hotline 1422.
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