Is “the Flu” dangerous or is it just another runny nose?

Two years ago, the number of Influenza cases in Thailand with Influenza 156,943 and 43 died from the virus.  This year, there have already been 40,000 cases of flu and three deaths attributable to the virus.  That alone makes the ‘Flu” much more significant than just a runny nose.  You don’t die from runny noses.

The viruses covered in the vaccine can change each year, depending upon which viruses are most dominant.  This year there is A (H1N1) and an A (H3N2), and a B/Colorado and a B/Phuket in the vaccine.

The symptoms include high fever, body aches, clear runny nose, loss of appetite, coughing, sneezing and feeling miserable.

This type of flu is highly contagious.  You have bumped into the virus that some kind person left.  That could be on the next door knob you turn.

When you spray, millions of viruses go into the air with every sneeze.  Disposable face masks are not 100 percent, but certainly better than nothing to stop the aerosol spray.

Department of Disease Control expects that in 2019 there might be patient numbers up to 1.7 million

People who are at risk

• Children age between 0-2 years (infants and toddlers)
• Elderly from age 65
• Chronic disease especially lung and heart disease

Preventive measures:

• Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing, and wear a facemask if sneezing and coughing in public
• Wash your hands every time after touching surfaces such as door knobs and hand rails
• Avoid being with people suffering from influenza
• Avoid crowds and public places.

Vaccination is well worthwhile and is still only THB. 990.  Available from today until 31 December 2019

For more information, you can contact Internal Medicine Center, Bangkok Hospital Pattaya call 1719