DDC Monitors Winter Influenza, Urges Public to Distinguish Flu from Common Cold

The Department of Disease Control , Ministry of Public Health, is closely monitoring the influenza situation during the winter season. Surveillance has identified clusters of influenza cases in several areas, particularly in educational institutions and places where large groups of people gather. However, there is currently no evidence of widespread outbreaks or the emergence of new, more severe strains. Continuous vigilance remains essential.

Today (5 January 2026), Dr. Montien Kanasawad, Director-General of the Department of Disease Control, stated that ongoing monitoring shows influenza cases continue to occur in many areas, largely associated with close contact, shared living environments, or group activities in enclosed spaces. The Department therefore emphasizes the importance of public understanding of the disease’s characteristics and symptoms to enable appropriate self-care and to reduce transmission.

According to data from the Digital Disease Surveillance (DDS) system of the Bureau of Epidemiology, Department of Disease Control, between 1 January and 30 December 2025, Thailand recorded a cumulative total of 1,183,823 influenza cases, with 125 deaths, representing a case fatality rate of 0.01%. The three age groups with the highest incidence rates per 100,000 population were children aged 5–9 years (6,150.20), followed by ages 0–4 years (5,122.00), and ages 10–14 years (4,203.20), respectively.

Influenza is an acute viral respiratory infection that is generally more severe than the common cold. Typical symptoms include sudden high fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, cough, and sore throat. In high-risk groups, influenza may lead to serious complications such as pneumonia and therefore requires timely and appropriate medical care. The virus is transmitted via the respiratory route through droplets expelled when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, particularly in crowded settings such as schools and factories. Transmission may also occur through contact with respiratory secretions or saliva, or via hands that have touched contaminated surfaces and then come into contact with the nose or mouth.

In contrast, the common cold usually presents with milder symptoms, such as low-grade fever, runny nose, and mild cough, and often resolves on its own. However, individuals who experience high fever, cough, sore throat, severe body aches, or whose symptoms do not improve within 2–3 days should seek medical attention for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Dr. Montien added that individuals in high-risk groups who contract influenza may develop severe complications and face an increased risk of death. These groups include adults aged 65 years and older, children under 5 years of age, individuals with underlying medical conditions, people with obesity, and pregnant women. Annual influenza vaccination is strongly recommended for these groups to reduce disease severity and mortality. In addition, the public is advised to maintain good personal hygiene, wear face masks when entering crowded places, wash hands frequently with soap and clean water or alcohol-based hand gel, and stay home for 3–7 days or until fully recovered if experiencing influenza-like symptoms to prevent further transmission. If symptoms worsen, such as shortness of breath or decreased alertness, immediate medical attention is advised.

Influenza vaccination to reduce disease severity is prioritized for the following high-risk groups:

          1.children aged 6 months to 2 years;

          2.adults aged 65 years and older;

          3.individuals with severe physical or neurological disabilities who cannot care for themselves;

          4.patients with seven groups of chronic diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, kidney failure, cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, and diabetes;

          5.individuals with thalassemia or immunodeficiency;

          6.individuals with obesity; and

          7.pregnant women from four months of gestation onward.

The Department of Disease Control will continue to closely monitor the situation and provide accurate information to the public on an ongoing basis. For further information, the public may contact the Department of Disease Control Hotline at 1422.

 

Source:Department of Disease Control