Bhathiya Barukanda
An influenza-like illness is making the rounds among children in Sri Lanka, causing concern among parents.
According to Dr. Maheshaka Wijayawardena, Paediatrician and Media Coordinator of the Sri Lanka College of Paediatricians, the symptoms of current influenza include fever, chills, headache, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite, and sore throat.
“This is a seasonal illness that tends to rise and fall. A couple of months ago, we saw a spike in cases, but, the numbers have now started to drop.
However, he stated measures like wearing a mask, washing hands regularly, and maintaining good hygiene could go a long way in keeping the disease at bay” he said.
“Schools and daycares are identified as primary hotspots for the outbreak. Thus, parents are urged to monitor their children’s health closely and refrain from sending them to schools or daycares if they exhibit any symptoms,” Dr Maheshaka Wijayawardena added.
