The bane of the fever, commonly known as seasonal flu, this year has become so frightfully widespread that people cannot ignore it as a minor ailment as they did in previous years. There are few homes in the capital city which do not have a patient of one or the other type of fever. People are already smarting from the outbreak of dengue and to make the matter worse, both children and adults are now suffering from viral fever.
We are gravely concerned about the increasing number of viral fever cases this year. According to a joint surveillance study by the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR) and icddr,b, in July 2.75 times more influenza cases were found than the corresponding month of the last year. Influenza recorded the highest rate this year. Moreover, the country, particularly the capital city, is witnessing various types of fever right now. Dengue has been a killer disease for some years and it is now sweeping the country with virulence. Chikungunia and Zaika have colluded with it to worsen the situation.
The viral fever is so painful, energy-sapping and its impacts are so prolonging that it severely cripples normal life. Especially vulnerable and affected are children and the elderly with the latter taking far more time to heal than the younger ones.
A common feature of the viral fever, makes this year’s one all the more fearsome as those who suffer from fever become feeble to the point of occasional dizzying bouts and in some cases collapse. Besides, seasonal flu is an acute respiratory infection that spreads easily through droplets when people cough and sneeze. Since the illness can largely weaken the immune system, the children and the elderly should be given the proper medical attention. But with the presence of multiple viral diseases this year-including dengue, chikungunya, and COVID too-people suffering from high fever, severe cough and excruciating body-acne pain throng hospitals fearing the worst.
As dengue, chikungunya and COVID and influenza all can have similar symptoms, now it has become such health emergency that no sensible authorities can remain indifferent to the outbreak of flu. We, therefore, urge the authorities to take appropriate measures to prevent further spread of influenza. More attention is needed to be paid to the types of fever the symptoms of which are more or less similar, but may develop strains quite different. Although the health experts think the caseload may come down from October onwards, we have to be prepared to deal with any possibility. Typically, Bangladesh experiences two major flu seasons– March–April and August–September and people especially those attacked with cold, cough and fever, should wear masks, avoid crowded places, and strictly follow hygiene protocols to lessen the transmission. It is important that the people should be encouraged by the authorities to take the influenza vaccine. But, as the vaccine remains too expensive for many of our people, we would urge the authorities to explore ways to make it more affordable for the common man.
