Influenza cases rise; HPA calls for vaccination
Influenza is a common respiratory disease now, and the spread of the disease increases during certain periods.
By
Mohamed Muzayyin Nazim
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has urged people to get vaccinated against various influenza strand cases in Maldives recently.
The rise in influenza cases was announced by Maldives' internal medicine doctor Mohammed Ali in an X post on Sunday. He said:
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Influenza A and H1N1 have been spreading in Maldives in recent weeks
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Three youths are being treated on ventilators
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One person has died in the past month
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An outbreak of the disease is not expected
In response, HPA has made a post with some statistics on X on Monday evening.
"Compared to November and December 2023, the number of influenza positive cases has increased so far in 2024. Regional countries have also been experiencing more respiratory disease cases like influenza and Covid-19 due to increased travel during school holidays," the post said.
According to the influenza statistics released by the HPA:
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Last September: 41 people tested positive
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Last October: 46 people tested positive
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Last November: 24 people tested positive
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Last December: 24 people tested positive
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So far this month: 19 people have tested positive
Influenza is a common respiratory disease now, and the spread of the disease increases during certain periods. H3N2, H1N1 and influenza B are common influenza strains.
"Vaccination is the most important thing to protect against influenza and Covid-19. Vaccination protects against progression of the disease, especially in children, the elderly and those with chronic illnesses," the HPA said.
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