Department of Disease Control Warns of Rising Flu Risk During Rainy Season — Advises Wearing Masks, Avoiding Crowded Places, and Frequent Handwashing

The Disease Control Office Region 9, Nakhon Ratchasima, has warned that influenza cases are likely to rise during the rainy season. The public is advised to get the flu vaccine every year to boost immunity, reduce the severity of the illness, and prevent deaths. People are also urged to maintain good health, avoid crowded places, and stay away from those who are ill.

Influenza is transmitted through contact with an infected person’s secretions, such as mucus, saliva, or phlegm, often via coughing, sneezing, or inhaling droplets. Symptoms usually appear 1–2 days after exposure and include high fever, runny nose, cough, sore throat, headache, fatigue, and muscle pain — especially in the back, upper arms, and thighs. Outbreaks commonly occur in group settings, such as shelters, schools, prisons, military camps, and workplaces. Anyone with flu-like symptoms should stop attending school or work and wear a mask to prevent spreading the virus.

Annual flu vaccination is strongly recommended, particularly for seven high-risk groups:

• Pregnant women (12–20 weeks gestation, but vaccination is safe throughout pregnancy)

• Children aged 6 months to 2 years

• People with chronic diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, and diabetes

• Adults aged 65 and above

• People with thalassemia or weakened immune systems (including those with symptomatic HIV)

• People with obesity (weight over 100 kg or BMI > 35 kg/m²)

• Individuals with severe neurological disabilities who cannot care for themselves

• Healthcare and public health workers at risk of exposure

To prevent influenza, the DDC recommends:

1. Wash hands frequently with soap and water, especially before meals, after using the restroom, or after touching dirty surfaces.

2. Avoid sharing personal items with others.

3. Stay away from crowded places during outbreaks; if unavoidable, wear a mask.

4. If you have a fever, cough, or runny nose, wear a mask, wash your hands frequently, and avoid close contact with others — particularly children, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses — and seek medical attention.

5. If diagnosed with influenza, rest and isolate until fully recovered.

For more information, contact the Department of Disease Control hotline at 1422.

Source:

Thai Health