The annual influenza epidemic is lingering in Thailand even as monsoon rains give way to the cool season.
The number of flu cases recorded nationwide so far this year has accelerated past 940,000, with around 100 people dying of the disease.
The youngest victim was a 12-month-old baby while the oldest was 95.
“Fatality statistics show the elderly are the most vulnerable,” deputy government spokesperson Airin Phanrit said earlier this week.
A total of 208,443 influenza cases were recorded in October alone, according to Disease Control Department spokesperson Dr Jurai Wongsawat.
“Though monthly data shows the infection rate began to fall in November, cluster outbreaks are still on the rise, especially in places like prisons, schools and training centres,” she said, adding that flu is most common among children aged between five and nine.
Infections surge during rains
Asst Prof Dr Ekasit Kowitdamrong of Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Medicine explained that though the influenza virus is present year-round in Thailand, the rainy season brings a surge in infections.
By the time the monsoon rains arrived on May 15, the virus had already infected 330,000 people since the start of the year – but that figure surged in the wet and humid weather.
“The number of patients testing positive for the virus has been high for several months now,” Ekasit said.
Of the three main influenza virus types, A/H3N2 accounted for most cases (76%), followed by A/H1N1 and Type B.
Although the dry, cool season officially began on October 23, lingering rain means the number of flu cases has hardly slowed down.
Best defences against virus
Dr Ekasit said to protect themselves people should avoid crowded places, sanitise their hands frequently and wear a mask in poorly ventilated places.
“You can also boost your immunity by getting plenty of rest and exercising regularly,” he said.
“Vulnerable people like the elderly, those with chronic conditions [including obesity] and young children should also get vaccinated against the flu virus,” the doctor, a paediatrician, advised.
“The vaccine may not provide total protection but it will ease any symptoms,” he said, adding that he, his wife and two children have already received their flu shots this year.
Free vaccines available
Thais in vulnerable groups are eligible for free flu shots under the universal healthcare scheme.
Recognising the threat to youngsters, the National Health Security Office (NHSO) on November 3 extended free vaccination to cover children aged six months to five years. Previously, only kids up to the age of two were eligible.
“The expansion will require an extra 1.4 million vaccine doses,” said Public Health Minister Pattana Promphat in his capacity as chair of the NHSO board. He added that the scheme would cost 128.1 million baht – 100 million baht for vaccine purchase and the rest to administer the vaccine.
The aim of the scheme is to reduce severity of flu symptoms to save lives. Of the 100 who succumbed to the virus this year, 94 had not been vaccinated.
The Disease Control Department said the free vaccinations would also ease burdens on parents and prevent them from having to take time off work to look after sick children. Absenteeism costs the economy an estimated 399 million baht annually.
Ensuring more people are vaccinated will also help the government save about 54 million baht in annual medical costs for hospitalisation of flu patients.
“Authorities are urging those who are eligible to get their free flu shots every year,” Pattana said.
